Osteoarthritis of the hip may cause hip pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis, a specific type of arthritis, is a degenerative joint disorder in which the cushioning (or cartilage tissue) in joints progressively wears away.1 Without this cushioning in joints, the bones rub against one another during movement. This can cause bruising and damage to the bones of the joint resulting in joint pain.1
Osteoarthritis may occur in any number of joints in the body including in the hips, knees, hands and spine.1 When Osteoarthritis affects the hip joint either one or both hips may be affected and the movement of the hips can become limited.2 It can also make walking, dressing and getting up from a chair or bed painful and difficult.2
Osteoarthritis of the hip joint can cause pain in the hips, lower back, groin and buttocks, as well as swelling and stiffness.2 All of these things can complicate walking and other leg movements, such as climbing stairs.3 While Osteoarthritis often worsens over time, the following tips can help keep your symptoms under control, and help keep hip Osteoarthritis from affecting everyday life.
Control the pain.
Where mild-to-moderate Osteoarthritis is concerned, over-the-counter pain relievers and heat therapy may assist to reduce pain.3,8 Some medical guidelines recommend Paracetamol as the their preferred pain reliever of choice for the management of Osteoarthritis pain.3,10-12 Pain relievers should not be used for more than a few days at a time except under the advice of a suitable qualified healthcare professional. If you experience more severe or ongoing symptoms you should speak to suitably qualified healthcare professional for appropriate diagnosis and treatment options. Only use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed and follow the product label at all times. Paracetamol can be taken up to the maximum dose (4 g/day) to help keep pain under control.3,5
For periodic flare-ups your doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication.3 These can reduce inflammation in the joints. Heat therapy can also help to relieve pain.3 People with Osteoarthritis may also find that taking complementary medicines can help to provide symptom relief.6
Exercise hip and leg muscles. Exercise is important for everyone, but it is especially important for anyone with Osteoarthritis of the hip. Appropriate exercises can help to strengthen leg and hip muscles so they can provide better support for the hip joint.3 Exercise can also help reduce joint stiffness.3 Try low-impact exercises that strengthen the legs, like swimming or cycling, or ask your doctor to recommend an appropriate routine. Always remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese raises the risk of developing Osteoarthritis.7,8 Hip joints, in particular, bear much of the weight of being overweight. Reaching and maintaining a healthy body weight helps to ensure there’s no extra pressure bearing down on the hip joints, contributing to hip damage and pain.7
Protect the hip joints. Protecting and avoiding excessive stress on the hip joints can reduce the severity and impact of Osteoarthritis.9 There are a number of ways that stress on the hip joint can be reduced such as using a walking stick.1,3,9 For advice on shoes and aids that help reduce stress on the hips, talk to your doctor.
Many people with Osteoarthritis of the hip will often be prescribed medication by their doctor. If a doctor prescribes or recommends a certain medication, follow their instructions carefully. It’s also important not to miss any doses in order to get the maximum benefit from a medication.
Visit the Panadol Osteo website and join the FREE Osteo Information Programme for helpful tips and information on staying positive, staying active and eating well.
Sign up now www.myosteolife.co.nz/sign-up
