tips to manage hip osteoarthritis

tips for hip osteoarthritis

Tips to manage hip osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the hip is a common cause of hip pain and stiffness.1 Osteoarthritis, a specific type of arthritis, is a degenerative joint disorder in which the cushioning (or cartilage tissue) in joints progressively wears away.2 Without this cushioning in joints, the bones rub against one another during movement. This sometimes causes bony growths, or spurs, to form around the joint.2 These spurs can cause joint pain that becomes worse after movement and over time.2

Osteoarthritis may occur in any number of joints in the body including in the hips, knees, hands and spine.2 When osteoarthritis affects the hip joint, it may become stiff and harder to move.1 It can also make walking painful and difficult.2

How to keep hip osteoarthritis under control

Osteoarthritis of the hip joint can cause pain in the hips, lower back, groin and buttocks, as well as swelling and stiffness.1  All of these things can complicate walking and other leg movements. 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.3

Control the pain. For mild-to-moderate pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol (also called acetaminophen) can help. Medical guidelines worldwide recommend paracetamol as the pain medicine to use first in relieving osteoarthritis hip pain.3-5 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 reduce inflammation in the joints. Heat therapy can also help to relieve pain and relax muscles.3 Many people with osteoarthritis also find that taking glucosamine supplements helps to ease and prevent joint pain.3

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 to keep the hip joint flexible.3  Try low-impact exercises that strengthen the legs, like swimming or cycling, or ask your healthcare professional to recommend an appropriate routine. Always remember to check with a healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine.

Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese raises the risk of developing osteoarthritis.2 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.2

Protect the hip joints. Protecting and avoiding excessive stress on the hip joints can reduce the severity and impact of osteoarthritis.2  There are a number of ways that stress on the hip joint can be reduced such as using special insoles or using a walking stick.3 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 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.

References:

  1. Arthritis Care UK, Hip Osteoarthritis Fact Sheet. December 2009.
  2. Arthritis Care UK, Living with Osteoarthritis Booklet. November 2009.
  3. Zhang W, et al. OARSI recommendations for the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis, Part II: OARSI evidence-based, expert consensus guidelines. Osteoarthritis Cartilage, 2008; 16: 137−162. Available at: http://www.oarsi.org/pdfs/oarsi_recommendations_for_management_of_hip_and_knee_oa.pdf
  4. National Collaborating Centre for Chronic Conditions. Osteoarthritis: national clinical guideline for care and management in adults. London: Royal College of Physicians, 2008. Available at: http://www.nice.org.uk/CG059fullguideline.
  5. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Guideline for the non-surgical management of hip and knee osteoarthritis. July 2009. Available at: http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/file/publications/synopses/cp117-hip-knee-osteoarthritis.pdf