Osteoarthritis of the hip
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What is hip osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis is defined as the wear and tear of the cartilage of the joints, in the case of the hip it refers to the condition that wears down and decreases the tissue that cushions the movement of this joint.
When this happens, the patient begins to suffer pain when moving the hip, since the bones involved collide with each other, reducing the quality of life and in severe cases, the patient’s mobility.
What are the symptoms of hip osteoarthritis?
The main symptom of this condition is the ascending pain that occurs, that is, day after day the pain worsens. You can also add the difficulty and stiffness to move the joint since the bones cannot slide naturally.
It is important to note that the pain can be accentuated in the groin and/or in the inner thigh. Patients often confuse the situation since it has become popular that the hips are this area of the body where the pants are adjusted, when in reality this joint is concentrated in the femur and pelvis equally.
At the beginning of this situation, pain occurs when getting up from a chair in which you were sitting for a long time and even when standing for a long time, the movement marks the beginning of the pain.
Methods for diagnosing hip osteoarthritis
An orthopedic doctor is specialized to help you identify your condition, it is prudent that you visit this specialist to guide you throughout the diagnosis and treatment process.
The initial step is to understand the patient’s symptoms, history, and routine. Through specific questions, the doctor can check the condition.
Then, a physical inspection is performed, the joint is reviewed inviting the patient to perform specific exercises that can activate pain and help the doctor identify hip osteoarthritis.
Finally, the doctor will invite you to have an X-ray that shows the exact internal condition of the joint. At this point, hip osteoarthritis has already been identified and the specialist seeks to define the level of wear and tear to recommend the best treatment.
What can cause hip osteoarthritis?
It has not been possible to define a specific reason or cause of hip osteoarthritis, it is prevented in older adults and certain conditions can be identified that make some people more likely to suffer from it, for example fractures or imbalances in the locomotor system.
Hip osteoarthritis is more likely in older adults. How to avoid it?
Yes, it is common for patients who have hip wear to be over 50 years old, although it usually occurs in young people, the best thing to do is to recommend certain actions that help patients protect themselves from this condition.
What we advise is the following:
Maintain a healthy weight.
Walking as an exercise routine to avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
Swimming or cycling.
Perform hip stretching exercises, as long as you do not feel pain.
Beware of sudden movements or high-impact exercises.
Treatments for hip osteoarthritis
Non-invasive treatment:
It is a solution designed to relieve the patient’s discomfort, at this point the patient is recommended pharmacological and routine methods that can help him feel better.
For example, in overweight patients, a diet that helps to regain a healthy weight is recommended. At the same time, some drugs such as analgesics and anti-inflammatories are prescribed to reduce pain.
In some cases, the doctor may recommend the use of a walking cane, thus relieving the weight on the joint and allowing a new form of mobility.
It should be noted that non-invasive treatments are a preliminary step and even a solution when the patient cannot have surgery.
Surgical treatment
This is hip replacement surgery, it is a surgical intervention in which the damaged cartilage of the joint is removed and replaced by a prosthesis designed to perform the function of the joint.
This treatment is ideal for patients with very advanced osteoarthritis and who have lost their mobility. Through hip replacement, the patient will be able to return to their regular daily routine, after meeting the postoperative specifications.
With a new joint, the patient will no longer feel pain and will be able to recover, at a prudent pace, their quality of life.
When is surgery recommended?
When a patient stops walking due to pain, surgical treatment is necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Tips to avoid hip osteoarthritis
To take care of hip health, it is necessary to know what we should avoid:
- Carrying weights too often and for too long.
- Keep the joint in the same position for a very long time.
- Bending or sitting in very low places for a long time.
- High-impact sports activities.
Exercises for hip osteoarthritis
- Walks of 10 or 20 minutes through flat places.
- Swimming.
- Cycling.
Foods to avoid if you suffer from hip osteoarthritis
Yes, food is key to maintaining proper health, even the development of our bones and joints is related. Just as regulating weight is important, so is maintaining a healthy diet that avoids the following elements:
- Sugar, is associated with elements that can cause inflammation.
- Saturated fats.
- Trans fats.
What vitamins can I take to improve hip osteoarthritis?
It is recommended, in addition to starting a new balanced diet, to consume supplements that help you get the necessary nutrients to improve joint health.
Here is a list of supplements
- Sulphoraphane: A compound that you can find in vitamins and cabbage, broccoli and cabbage, has proven to be a great ally in slowing the destruction of cartilage.
- Omega 3: Ideal for reducing pain and swelling.
- Vitamin d: Participates in collagen production.
- Vitamin C: Improves the consistency of cartilage.
- Vitamin E: Characterized by being an antioxidant and fighting inflammation.
- Glucosamine: Provides elasticity.
