Hip Arthritis
What is Hip Arthritis?
In a normal hip:
1. The surfaces of the bones are smooth which allows the hip joint to move normally.
2. The cartilage in the joint absorbs shock while walking, running and jumping.
Hip arthritis is a condition where the cartilage in the joint starts to wear down and the bones that form the joint start to degenerate to the point that the surfaces are no longer smooth. The ends of the bone may develop osteophytes which are small bony projections.
In an arthritic hip:
1. The hip can no longer move normally because the bony surfaces are no longer smooth.
2. The hip can no longer absorb shock. Therefore walking, running and jumping activities aggravate the hip.
In a normal hip:
1. The surfaces of the bones are smooth which allows the hip joint to move normally.
2. The cartilage in the joint absorbs shock while walking, running and jumping.
Hip arthritis is a condition where the cartilage in the joint starts to wear down and the bones that form the joint start to degenerate to the point that the surfaces are no longer smooth. The ends of the bone may develop osteophytes which are small bony projections.
In an arthritic hip:
1. The hip can no longer move normally because the bony surfaces are no longer smooth.
2. The hip can no longer absorb shock. Therefore walking, running and jumping activities aggravate the hip.
Causes
- Previous injury to the hip joint
- Obesity
- Age (more common in patients over the age of 50)
- Genetics
Symptoms
- Symptoms usually develop gradually over a long period of time.
- Pain in the front of the hip, in the buttocks and/or radiating down to the groin area. Sometimes pain can be referred down to the thigh or knee.
- Stiffness especially in the morning or after sitting/lying down for long periods of time.
- Grinding/clicking with certain hip movements.
- Walking with a limp due to pain/stiffness.
- Decreased hip flexibility.
- Previous injury to the hip joint
- Obesity
- Age (more common in patients over the age of 50)
- Genetics
Symptoms
- Symptoms usually develop gradually over a long period of time.
- Pain in the front of the hip, in the buttocks and/or radiating down to the groin area. Sometimes pain can be referred down to the thigh or knee.
- Stiffness especially in the morning or after sitting/lying down for long periods of time.
- Grinding/clicking with certain hip movements.
- Walking with a limp due to pain/stiffness.
- Decreased hip flexibility.
Treatment
Ice: For joint swelling/burning ice the hip 3-4 times/day for 20 minutes. A bag of frozen peas works well.
Heat: For joint stiffness apply heat to the hip 3-4 times/day for 20 minutes using a hot water bottle or electric heating pad.
Weight Loss: Maintaining a healthy weight through healthy eating and regular physical activity can greatly reduce the stress on your hip.
Pace Yourself: You’ll have good days and bad days. Avoid trying to get all your chores/tasks done on your good days as you’ll likely flare up your hip.
Sleep: Try sleeping with a pillow tucked between your legs to support the hip.
Swimming: Whether you’re swimming laps or just wading around in the shallow end, being in the water reduces joint strain and helps loosen up the hip joint.
Walking: Walking daily can help increase hip strength and flexibility. Avoid pushing through pain. Start slow (i.e. 5 minutes on day one) and gradually increase only if pain free. Walking on the treadmill at first is ideal as you can stop and rest as needed.
Walking aids: If you are limping, a cane or walker can help reduce strain on your knees. If you are walking outdoors regularly ask your physiotherapist about info on Nordic walking poles.
Ice: For joint swelling/burning ice the hip 3-4 times/day for 20 minutes. A bag of frozen peas works well.
Heat: For joint stiffness apply heat to the hip 3-4 times/day for 20 minutes using a hot water bottle or electric heating pad.
Weight Loss: Maintaining a healthy weight through healthy eating and regular physical activity can greatly reduce the stress on your hip.
Pace Yourself: You’ll have good days and bad days. Avoid trying to get all your chores/tasks done on your good days as you’ll likely flare up your hip.
Sleep: Try sleeping with a pillow tucked between your legs to support the hip.
Swimming: Whether you’re swimming laps or just wading around in the shallow end, being in the water reduces joint strain and helps loosen up the hip joint.
Walking: Walking daily can help increase hip strength and flexibility. Avoid pushing through pain. Start slow (i.e. 5 minutes on day one) and gradually increase only if pain free. Walking on the treadmill at first is ideal as you can stop and rest as needed.
Walking aids: If you are limping, a cane or walker can help reduce strain on your knees. If you are walking outdoors regularly ask your physiotherapist about info on Nordic walking poles.
Stretching:
Try each of the following stretches which will help maintain your hip mobility.
Do these daily. Hold each position for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times.
Never push in to sharp pain. You should just feel a comfortable pulling sensation.
Try each of the following stretches which will help maintain your hip mobility.
Do these daily. Hold each position for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times.
Never push in to sharp pain. You should just feel a comfortable pulling sensation.
Strengthening Exercises:
Repeat each of the following exercises 10 times each, once daily.
Gradually increase to doing 3 sets of 10 with a rest break between each set.
Repeat each of the following exercises 10 times each, once daily.
Gradually increase to doing 3 sets of 10 with a rest break between each set.
TREATMENT FOR ADVANCED HIP ARTHRITIS
If the arthritis in your hip is advancing to the point that your quality of life is significantly affected (i.e. your pain levels are high and constant, you can’t sleep, you can only walk very short distances, you have great difficulty doing stairs, etc.) your doctor may refer you to a bone specialist; orthopedic surgeon. Sometimes hip arthritis is treated surgically through a minor surgery called an arthroscopy. In more serious cases the surgeon may discuss a total hip replacement.
If the arthritis in your hip is advancing to the point that your quality of life is significantly affected (i.e. your pain levels are high and constant, you can’t sleep, you can only walk very short distances, you have great difficulty doing stairs, etc.) your doctor may refer you to a bone specialist; orthopedic surgeon. Sometimes hip arthritis is treated surgically through a minor surgery called an arthroscopy. In more serious cases the surgeon may discuss a total hip replacement.