Hip arthritis, whether it’s rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, has pretty similar symptoms, including but not limited to pain in the groin, thigh, and buttocks area. It is common for the pain to be prominent in the mornings, interfere with mobility, and worsen when doing physical activities. Your hip may also feel stiff and weak.
Fortunately, there are many treatments available for hip arthritis. Here are a few of the most recommended treatments.
Pain Medication
Pain medications ranging from over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to prescription medication like opioids can all help relieve hip pain. Relief from pain medications is perfect for early stages of arthritis. However, the relief is temporary, and as your hip arthritis progresses, it is less likely that pain medication will continue to bring you relief.
Physical Therapy
Hip arthritis treatment plans almost always includes physical therapy. It involves a physical therapist teaching you stretching and strengthening exercises, which can bring relief from pain, improve your flexibility, strengthen your hip and leg, and improve the hip’s range-of-motion. All of these benefits reduce pressure on your hip joint. This decreases pain symptoms and helps with your mobility.
Physical therapists are also trained in the application of interventional pain management techniques such as massages and electric stimulation which may also benefit patients with hip arthritis.
Crutches, Canes, and Walkers
Assistive devices, such as walkers and canes, reduce pressure on the hip joint when you stand or walk. An assistive device can help with your mobility by keeping you balanced and taking pressure off the arthritic hip, so you experience less pain.
Weight Loss
It is no secret that excess weight adds more pressure to your load-bearing joints. By losing weight, you lessen the constant pressure on your hip joints. This can tremendously improve your symptoms and slow the progression of damage in the hip caused by arthritis.
Surgery
Often the last resort when conservative methods of treatment fail to produce satisfying results, surgery can offer long-term relief from hip arthritis symptoms. If your hip arthritis has become so debilitating that you are unable to live your life normally, your doctor may recommend surgery. Common procedures are osteotomy and joint replacement surgery. Osteotomy involves repositioning the hip joint so the healthy part of the joint bears more weight. Joint replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged joint with artificial parts to restore function in the joint.
Not every patient with hip arthritis is a good candidate for surgery. Discuss your options with a doctor to find the best solution for you.
Comprehensive Hip Arthritis Treatment in North Dakota
At The Bone & Joint Center, our caring and highly-skilled orthopedic surgeons specializing in treating hip arthritis will can track how much your arthritis has progressed and recommend the best suitable treatment options to enhance your life.
To schedule an appointment, please call The Bone & Joint Center at (701) 946-7400 or (866) 900-8650 or submit a request now. Our friendly staff looks forward to seeing you in one of our 9 convenient locations in North Dakota.
