Hip Arthritis Therapy

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, hip arthritis or osteoarthritis occurs when smooth articular cartilage at the end of the femur (thigh) bone wears down. Consequently, the hip does not glide as smoothly and a person can experience pain and inflammation in their hip. More than 10 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis of the hip. Therapy can include a combination of rest, ice, heat, medication and exercise.

Rest, Ice & Heat

• Initially, you should rest your hip when you have the first signs of arthritis. Because the pain can be quite uncomfortable, you should consider using a cane for getting around. During the first 48 hours, compress and ice pack against your hip to relieve inflammation, swelling and pain. Ice is most effective if you apply it at 20-minute intervals throughout the day (every 3 to 4 hours). Ice causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), which reduces inflammation and consequential pain by limiting the flow of blood and lymph to the area. Once the initial inflammation has subsided, heat (i.e. heating pad) can promote blood (with its healing properties) flow to your hip.

Medication & Supplements

• Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce inflammation and pain in your hip. These medications are Cox-2 inhibitors which reduce inflammation and pain by limiting the effects of Cox-2 enzymes and prostaglandins, the body's natural inflammatory response to joint irritation or injuries. For more severe pain, your doctor may prescribe oral steroids or give you a cortisone shot. If you are overweight, your doctor may suggest that you go on a diet as weight can place more stress on you hip joint. There are also certain supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin which have clinically been proven to be effective in treating hip arthritis. Glucosamine and chondroitin can add to existing worn-down cartilage and increase synovial fluid lubrication in the bursa sac (contains joint fluid).

Exercise

• After the initial inflammation subsides, you need to be as active as possible to keep your hip joint flexible. Swimming is one of the best exercises as it places minimal stress on the hip joint. You can also use a bicycle or exercise bike. Additionally, there are stretching and strength-building exercises that you can do to build up muscles in the hips and adjacent muscles, which provides more support for and minimizes stress on your hip joint. Following are a few of those exercises:

  In the bent leg raise, lie on your back (legs extended) and slowly raise your right leg up by sliding your foot on the floor toward your buttocks. Next, grab your knee with both hands and pull it toward your chest. Hold that position for 5 seconds, then relax. Repeat with your left leg. Do 10 repetitions. In the foot role, stand 1 to 2 feet from a counter with your hands braced on it. Get on your heels (toes off the floor) and turn your feet inward. Hold it a few seconds, then turn your feet outward.