Treating hip arthritis involves the use of various methods that help to reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation, and to improve joint function. Your doctor will give you treatment that is meant to reduce the inflammation that accompanies the wearing-down of the cartilage, thereby preventing an accelerated degeneration of the joint tissues.
What Can Be Done to Treat Hip Arthritis?
Here are a few of the main therapies that are usually part of a comprehensive treatment plan for patients with hip arthritis:
Anti-Inflammatories
Chronic inflammation can damage the hip joint at a faster rate than simple wear-and-tear of everyday movements. To quell the inflammation of arthritis, doctors usually recommend anti-inflammatory medication.
Over-the-counter NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, work to relieve the pain and swelling from arthritis. If over-the-counter treatments do not alleviate the discomfort, your doctor may recommend prescription anti-inflammatories.
Activity Modification
Despite what you may think, spending a lot of time seated or lying down can be bad for your arthritic hip joint. It is never recommended that a patient become inactive – even “rest” involves a balance of some activity so that the muscles do not start to atrophy.
Something as simple as walking daily, even around the house, can be beneficial to your hip arthritis. Your doctor may recommend an exercise program or prescribe physical therapy to help with stiffness and for a better range of motion.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapy program that includes stretching and strengthening exercises as well as range-of-motion exercises can be very beneficial for hip arthritis. Weak muscles in the buttocks and thighs can contribute to the discomfort in your hip area – but with stronger muscles in the buttock and thigh region, there is a reduction in the pressure placed on your hip joint because the muscles are supporting the hip.
You may also be advised to use assistive devices, such as a walker or a cane, to take the weight off of the arthritic hip joint while you stand or walk. Many of the treatment programs prescribed to patients with hip arthritis are aimed at pain relief and preservation of the hip joint by reducing the pressure placed on the joint.
Surgery
For patients who do not respond well to conservative treatment methods, surgery is an option that works very well on a long-term basis. Hip arthroscopy or hip replacement surgery can relieve the arthritis pain and restore normal hip function.
Orthopedic Doctors in Boynton Beach, FL
Our orthopedic doctors and physical therapists at Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches are trained and experienced in the latest techniques and therapies to treat patients with hip arthritis. We will be by your side as we find treatment that works to tamp down your hip pain, and we will help you get back to your active lifestyle as quickly as possible.
If you are seeking concierge care, we also offer concierge medicine services. To find out more about our services or to schedule a consultation with an orthopedic doctor, call our clinic today at (561) 733-5888 or fill out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We look forward to seeing you!
