Finding Relief from Hip Arthritis Without Surgery
If you've been diagnosed with hip arthritis, the aching, stiffness and loss of range of motion can make daily activities difficult. While surgery like hip replacement is an option, there are many nonsurgical ways to manage painful arthritis hip symptoms.
Understanding Hip Arthritis
Hip arthritis develops when the cartilage cushioning the hip joint wears down from injury, aging or mechanical stress. This causes pain, inflammation, bone spur formation and loss of motion. Common types of hip arthritis include:
- Osteoarthritis - Most common type caused by normal wear and tear.
- Rheumatoid arthritis - Autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation.
- Post-traumatic arthritis - Develops after an injury like a fracture.
Factors that increase risk for hip arthritis include obesity, genetics, past joint damage, repetitive impact activities and bone deformities like hip dysplasia. Getting an accurate diagnosis from your doctor is key to proper treatment.
10 Ways to Treat Hip Arthritis Without Surgery
While surgery like hip replacement may eventually be necessary for severe arthritis, trying nonsurgical options first can help delay or avoid surgery. Here are 10 ways to find relief from hip arthritis without surgery:
1. Lose Excess Weight
Carrying extra pounds puts more stress on hip joints contributing to arthritis. Losing weight reduces pressure and discomfort in arthritic hips.
2. Exercise Regularly
Low-impact activities like walking, cycling and water workouts strengthen muscles supporting the hip joint while improving mobility and function.
3. Physical Therapy
Working with a physical therapist can provide hip-strengthening exercises, modalities like ultrasound or TENS therapy, massage and helpful tips for reducing pain.
4. Use Assistive Devices
Canes, walkers, raised toilet seats, grab bars and other assistive devices make movements like standing, walking and sitting easier on arthritic hips.
5. Anti-inflammatory Medications
Over-the-counter NSAIDs like Advil or Aleve as well as prescription anti-inflammatories help relieve arthritis hip pain and swelling.
6. Hot and Cold Therapy
Applying heating pads or ice packs to painful hip areas increases circulation and reduces joint stiffness.
7. Massage
Massaging sore hip muscles improves blood flow and relaxes tight tissues to provide pain relief.
8. Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses fine needles in specific body points to reduce arthritis hip pain and improve mobility.
9. Joint Injections
Corticosteroid hip injections can temporarily ease arthritis inflammation and discomfort for several months.
10. Lifestyle Modifications
Making smart changes like avoiding high-impact activities, wearing proper shoes, pacing activities, and avoiding movements that aggravate hip pain helps take stress off arthritic joints.
Best Exercises for Hip Arthritis
While exercise is challenging with hip arthritis, being inactive causes muscles to weaken making symptoms worse. The key is choosing gentle strengthening and low-impact activities tailored to your abilities. Top exercises for hip arthritis include:
Walking
Walking helps lubricate hip joints without jarring impact. Start slowly on flat surfaces using supportive shoes. Nordic walking poles reduce stress on hips.
Swimming
The buoyancy of water makes swimming an ideal arthritis exercise. Different strokes gently strengthen hip muscles and increase range of motion.
Cycling
Stationary or outdoor cycling allows repetitive hip motion while avoiding impact. Adjust seats to limit hip flexion and use low resistance.
Water Aerobics
Water aerobics burns calories and tones muscles with minimal stress on joints. Classes provide motivation and support.
Tai Chi
Tai chi’s gentle flowing motions enhance balance, strength and flexibility in hips. Classes teach proper technique.
Yoga
Certain yoga poses like Child's Pose gently stretch and strengthen the hips. Avoid poses like deep lunges that aggravate joints.
Pilates
Controlled Pilates movements strengthen core and hip muscles to support joints. Use modifications to avoid pain.
Start slowly and focus on quality over quantity when exercising with hip arthritis. Avoid high-impact activities that stress joint cartilage like running or jumping.
Lifestyle Tips for Managing Hip Arthritis
Along with the medical and exercise strategies above, making certain lifestyle adjustments can really help ease the burden of living with painful hip arthritis:
Use Proper Body Mechanics
Avoid movements that strain arthritic hip joints like excessive twisting, bending or high impact. Modify movements and use assistive devices to protect hips.
Watch Your Weight
Slimming down reduces stress on hip joints. Losing just 10-15 pounds makes a big difference in arthritis symptoms.
Wear Supportive Shoes
Well-cushioned shoes with good arch support reduce stress on hips and absorb shock from walking. Orthotics can help too.
Listen to Your Body
When hips feel strained or sore, rest and switch to gentler activities. Pushing through pain often makes arthritis worse.
Pace Yourself
Take frequent breaks between activities to avoid overtaxing arthritic hips. Maintaining stamina safely is key.
Use Assistive Devices
Canes, grab bars, raised chairs and other aids protect hips from further damage and make tasks easier.
While hip arthritis can't be cured, using medication, exercise, lifestyle changes and assistive devices allows you to manage symptoms and stay active.
FAQs
What are the most common types of hip arthritis?
The most common types are osteoarthritis caused by wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis which is an autoimmune condition, and post-traumatic arthritis that develops after an injury.
What lifestyle changes help hip arthritis?
Using proper body mechanics, losing excess weight, wearing supportive shoes, pacing activities, listening to your body, and using assistive devices are beneficial lifestyle changes for hip arthritis.
What exercises are best for hip arthritis?
The best hip arthritis exercises are low-impact activities like walking, swimming, cycling, water aerobics, tai chi, yoga, and Pilates. These gently strengthen muscles while avoiding further joint damage.
What medications help relieve hip arthritis pain?
Over-the-counter NSAIDs like Advil or Aleve and prescription anti-inflammatory medications are commonly used to reduce arthritis hip pain and swelling.
How can I avoid hip arthritis surgery?
Ways to potentially delay or avoid hip replacement surgery include losing weight, physical therapy exercises, assistive devices, injections, lifestyle changes like activity modification, and trying all conservative pain management options first.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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