About osteoarthritis of the hip and our treatment for it

Osteoarthritis of the hip summary

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition involving the breakdown of the cartilage around the joint surfaces, affecting middle aged and older generations. As a condition it is particularly prevalent in the weight bearing joints such as the hip and the knees.

 

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WHAT IS OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE HIP?
Osteoarthritis is a denigrative condition which can particularly affect weight-bearing joints such as the hip and the knees, by wear and tear. It occurs when the smooth cartilage around the end of the joint erodes and breaks down, causing the end of the joints to rub and cause pain. Small bony spurs can develop which affect movement.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF OSTEOARTHRITIS?

The most common symptoms are pain and stiffness, felt particularly in the hip, groin and the upper thigh. Pain is often reported to be worst first thing in the morning, and will be aggravated by movement or standing for too long. This can make every day tasks difficult or near impossible.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF OSTEOARTHRITIS?

The most common cause of this condition of the hip is repetitive stress and long-term wear and tear. This could relate to occupational or sporting motions, with the disease becoming worse over time. The onset of osteoarthritis may be accelerated by trauma to the hip, genetics, or even a discrepancy in leg length. Being overweight can also bring on and aggravate osteoarthritis, affecting the weightbearing joints in particular.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS?

Osteoarthritis is commonly thought of as an inevitable part of aging, though there are some treatments and lifestyle changes that can lessen the symptoms and make every day movement easier. Exercise, will strengthen the muscles as well as improve your overall fitness, with regular exercise easing the pain and stiffness brought on by the condition. Exercise also improves your posture which will alleviate some of the issues associated with osteoarthritis by improving your every day movement, and will help you to lose weight. Losing weight reduces the risk of extra weight putting strain on the joints. There are some dietary considerations that can improve the symptoms, for example omega 3 is meant to help the joints. Some supplements are also reported to provide relief to those with osteoarthritis, such as Glucosamine Sulphate. Anti-inflammatory medication may well be prescribed to deal with the swelling and pain that comes with it.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE FOR THIS TYPE OF CONDITION?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition and thus is irreversible. Early intervention is key to preventing further breakdown and decline, by kickstarting the treatment early and managing the condition.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR ME TO DO THE PRESCRIBED EXERCISES?
The exercises prescribed are one of the key elements of your management of the condition, both in terms of managing the pain and further degeneration. Exercises that increase the joint mobility in the hip will decrease pain and stiffness and increase muscle strength.