Index
It is also known as Arthritis or Hip Osteoarthritis.
As we get older, joint tissues break down frequently, leading to arthritis. Many older adults have less inflammation, pain, and stiffness when the hip’s cartilage wears; however, for some patients with osteoarthritis, the progress of inflammation and pain can become severe.
Arthritis means “inflammation of the joints,” which causes pain and swelling in the joints of the body, such as the knees or hips.
There are many types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is the most common. Also known as degenerative joint disease or age-related arthritis, osteoarthritis is more likely to develop in older people.
This occurs when inflammation and damage cause a rupture of the cartilage tissue. In turn, the break causes pain, inflammation, and deformity. Cartilage is a strong material that covers the ends of bones in normal joints.
It is composed mainly of water and proteins. The primary function of the cartilage is to reduce friction between the joints and serve as a “shock absorber.” The shock-absorbing quality of normal cartilage comes from its ability to change shape when compressed.
Cartilage can do this because of its high water content. Although the cartilage can undergo some repair in case of damage, the body does not create new cartilages after these injuries.
How does osteoarthritis affect the hip joints?
Patients with hip osteoarthritis have problems walking. The diagnosis can be difficult at first. That’s because pain can appear in different places, including the groin, thighs, buttocks, or knees. The pain may be acute, or it may be a dull pain, and the hip may feel stiff.
symptom
The first symptom of hip osteoarthritis usually manifests with a slight sting of hip stiffness. But as it progresses, the hip can become stiff and painful.
For most people, hip osteoarthritis is discomfort that they have to endure with the help of medication because when the pain is so great, it reaches the point of waking up at night, and that is when the moment can be considered a hip replacement.
Causes of Hip Arthrosis
The causes of hip osteoarthritis are not known. If you have a family history of arthritis, you are more likely to develop it; however, many patients can present it after an injury. Work or exercise is not appropriate, increase in age and overweight.
In addition, osteoarthritis can sometimes be caused by the following factors:
- The joints did not form correctly.
- There may be genetic (hereditary) factors in cartilage defects.
- The person can put extra pressure on their joints, either because they are overweight or because of activities that involve movement in the hip.
Diagnosis
The doctor can diagnose hip arthritis through an x-ray. They can tell you how severe your osteoarthritis is and give you a rough estimate of how likely you will need a hip replacement in the next few years.
Treatments for arthritis of the hip
The main objective of the treatment of hip arthrosis is to improve the mobility of the person (the ability to move) and improve their lifestyle. Part of this goal is to improve hip function and pain control.
- Rest and care of the joints.
- The use of a cane to support the weight on the affected hip.
- Pain relief techniques without medication to control pain.
- Losing excess weight
- Exercises.
- Medications include acetaminophen (Tylenol), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen (Advil), or a pain medication prescription.
- Surgery.
- Complementary and alternative therapies.
- One method for preventing hip osteoarthritis is to maintain a healthy weight.
- If you have a mild case of hip osteoarthritis, the doctor will send you rest.
- Limit activities that may cause pain.
- Your recovery may be difficult if you are an avid golfer, skier, runner, or weightlifter.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most common medications to treat hip osteoarthritis. However, they can have unwanted side effects on your heart, stomach, intestines, and kidneys.
If hip pain interferes with your daily routine, it is recommended that you consider hip replacement surgery.
Many patients are surprised to learn that the surgery is quite simple. Most hip replacement procedures are performed in less than 90 minutes. The doctor will remove the bone and cartilage, which will be replaced by a piece of titanium and plastic.
But your real work begins with a physical therapist who can help you rehabilitate your new hip.
Within 24 hours after surgery, it is best to walk a few meters. Thanks to pain medication, this will not be so annoying, but it will require some effort on your part.
Most patients are happy with the results of hip replacement, claiming to sleep well for the first time in several years.
Once hip osteoarthritis has been treated, it can increase your normal activities.
