Getting Started with a Hip Arthritis Treatment Plan
Arthritis is a medical condition that causes pain and inflammation in the hip joint, making it difficult for individuals to perform their daily activities with ease. While there is no cure for this condition, there are several treatment options available that aim to reduce pain and inflammation.
Non-surgical management techniques are typically the first line of treatment for hip arthritis. These techniques include medication, exercise, and stretching, which have been known to be effective in reducing arthritic pain. Exercise, particularly biking, is a great way to strengthen the muscles surrounding the hip joint, which can help to reduce joint pain and improve mobility.
In some cases, non-surgical management techniques may not be enough to alleviate the symptoms of hip arthritis, and surgery may be recommended. However, many people wish to avoid painful hip replacement surgery entirely or avoid it altogether.
In such cases, a combination of non-surgical treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, may be recommended to manage the symptoms of hip arthritis. It's essential to work with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for you based on your specific needs and medical history.
Non-Surgical Ways to Treat Hip Arthritis
Hip Arthritis affects the most people between the ages of 55-65. The majority of cases are found in women, possibly due to a combination of increased exposure to the disease and certain hormonal factors.
Without treatment, osteoarthritis can lead to loss; of mobility and function that can be regained by early diagnosis and treatment. Before we get into rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and treatment, let’s go over your options for managing osteoarthritis.
Manage Pain
Compression & Heat Application
Using compression, Herbal heating pads for your hip joints can help in reducing inflammation and promoting blood flow. However, you have to be careful if you're going to be performing strenuous physical activities which might cause further injury if done incorrectly. If that's the case, it would be wise to avoid anything too harsh.
Sacksy Thyme Microwavable herbal Heating Pad for hip arthritis
Topical Creams
A topical pain cream is used as a way to ease joint pain from arthritis. There are many options available when it comes down to CBD pain creams that use natural methods that provide soothing sensations. One popular option is the cooling sensation provided by CBD with proven benefits for those who suffer from chronic pains and aches.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are painkillers such as ibuprofen and naproxen. These drugs help to reduce overall inflammation in the body and help to relieve pain without needing any surgery or prescriptions. Always consult your doctor before starting any kind of new medication.
Injections
Corticosteroid injections are important for certain types of joint pain. These are directly injected into the affected area and reduce painful inflammation by ordering chemicals to do at least 40% of the work rather than the body itself, which would need to start from scratch when trying to fight off inflammation. Speak with your doctor to learn if you might be a good candidate for this type of treatment.
Use Walking Aids
If walking causes your arthritis to flare up, then try using a cane. Using a cane or other walking aid can help to distribute your weight and unload pressure on your hips as you move.
Lose Weight
Weight loss and hip replacement are linked; even if you think you're overweight, losing weight can protect your hip joint and help improve your lifestyle by making movement easier and less painful. Losing weight isn't easy, and there isn't one solution for everybody. Talk to a doctor about increasing physical activity and diet modifications that will work for you to improve your symptoms from arthritis of the hips.
Exercise
Exercise and stretching is a key to helping you manage the symptoms of hip arthritis. Exercise is a way in which you can maintain mobility, lose weight, and strengthen muscles.
Gentle exercises like yoga and swimming are great places to start. Stretching helps too. It serves to help you keep your range of motion, reduce joint stiffness, and bring about less pain in your life.
Seek Guidance from a Physical Therapist
Ironically, developing hip arthritis while in your thirties or forties can be a good thing. There are ways to lessen the discomfort, and there is likely something you can do to prevent it from happening again.
Visit your local physical therapist during the painful phase of your recovery and they will help alleviate pain with stretching and strengthening exercises meant to relieve strain on the joints. After a few months, you’ll be back on your feet - literally!
What Are My Surgical Options?
Sometimes, pain medications and non-invasive treatments aren't enough when it comes to dealing with hip arthritis, particularly when it comes to osteoarthritis. Pain levels can be off the charts, significantly impacting the quality of life and adding tremendous stress to people who are already struggling.
If methods such as exercise and non-surgical therapy fail to provide you with adequate pain relief, your doctor may suggest surgery. An orthopedic doctor will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and likely order some tests such as x-rays or blood work.
An appropriate procedure will be recommended based on several factors such as age, the type of arthritis suffered, and the severity of the illness, Here are the surgical options for hip arthritis:
Total Hip Replacement Surgery
During a hip replacement, the surgeon removes all of the damaged bone and cartilage from the socket of your femur and replaces it with a metal or plastic joint.
Hip Resurfacing
This procedure involves removing damaged bone and cartilage in the hip socket and replacing it with a metal shell. Unlike a total hip replacement, the femur head is not removed but covered with metal.
What to Expect
Hip arthritis can be a lifelong condition that doesn’t have to slow you down. Several successful treatment options provide relief from pain and improvements in mobility.
One option is exercise, which might include walking or the use of an elliptical machine - these can help to strengthen and support the muscles around your hip joint.
Dynamic exercises improve flexibility, whereas static stretching increases the flexibility of tight muscles around the hip joint. Medication can help reduce pain for people who experience severe symptoms throughout their day, and bracing may also be recommended for small movements that require bending at the hip.
Always talk to your doctor before you begin any treatment since no two cases of hip arthritis are alike, so there’s no set formula- don’t restrict yourself unnecessarily!