Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage between joints deteriorates over time, causing pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis, which affects about 10 million Americans, can develop in any joint, but it is most common in the hips, knees, hands and spine. Risk factors for hip osteoporosis include being obese or overweight, elderly or suffering an injury that puts stress on the hip joint. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that will continue to get worse over time. There is no cure, but the available treatment options can help patients live an active and pain-free lifestyle.
Non-Medical Treatments
People with a mild case of osteoarthritis can sometimes adapt their behavior or lifestyle to help improve the pain from the condition or keep it from getting worse. For example, one of the best things people with hip osteoarthritis can do is lose weight if they are obese. Extra weight puts extra pressure on the joint, causing discomfort. It's also a good idea to regularly participate in low-impact activities such as walking, cycling or swimming because it can strengthen the muscles around the joint and increase stability. However, if you experience new pain while exercising, be sure to rest the hip for 12 to 24 hours. You can also alternate hot and cold packs to ease the pain, or try soaking in a hot bath.
Pain Relievers
One of the primary complaints of people with osteoarthritis is that the pain from the condition keeps them from the everyday activities. Most patients find relief from over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin and ibuprofen. However, will get worse over time, many patients eventually find that the pain relief from these medications eventually is not enough to make them comfortable. When this happens a doctor will typically prescribe a prescription-strength pain killer. In severe cases, cortisone injections may also be used for pain relief.
Physical Therapy
Some patients may be referred to a physical therapist for help treating osteoarthritis of the hip. A physical therapist will work with a patient to design an exercise activity plan aimed at increasing the strength of the muscles around the joint, which can lessen pain and discomfort. Some possible recommendations include regularly performing range-of-motion exercises and consistently engaging in low-impact physical activity.
Surgery
When the hip joint becomes deformed and patients can no longer sleep or rest comfortably because of osteoarthritis, joint-replacement surgery is often recommended. Hip-replacement surgery, called arthroplasty, involves removing the damaged hip and replacing it with a new ball-and-socket joint. Most patients who undergo a total hip replacement will be able to resume walking and other activities without pain after a rehabilitation period. It is normal after the surgery to need a walker or crutches to get around.
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