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Some Hips Just Wear Out

Osteoarthritis Affects Many Seniors And Their Independent Lifestyle

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a degenerative joint disease. It is caused by wear-and-tear. And it is also a frequent source of hip problems for people over 50 years of age.

Over one’s lifetime, the cartilage in the hip can break down, allowing the bones to rub together. The result is swelling, pain and limits on motion. As erosion progresses, the friction can cause the joint to lose its normal shape, magnifying the problem. Osteophytes (bone spurs) may also build up on the edge of the joint. Sometimes these growths snap off. The pieces float in the joint, adding to the pain and damage.

In addition to the hips, osteoarthritis can affect other joints, too. (The most commonly afflicted are the knees, hands and spine.) The disease is non-reversible. However, it is treatable. When caught early, there are simple things you can do to avoid pain and slow down the disease.

Without one definitive test, doctors combine clinical history, x-rays, physical exams and blood tests to diagnose osteoarthritis and rule out other conditions.

Symptoms

Treatments

Genetic history, obesity and injuries that stress the joint are risk factors for osteoarthritis of the hip. Here are some common symptoms of the disease.

  • Stiffness, especially apparent when getting out of bed and after sitting a long time.
  • Limitations in the range of motion that affect a person’s moving and bending. Internal rotation is commonly the first motion that is limited or restricted.
  • Pain during weight-bearing activities. As the illness progresses, the victim may start to experience some pain when at rest or asleep. Eventually, the pain can become constant.
  • Pain may be experienced in the groin area and/or knee. This pain can be the victim’s primary complaint.
  • The sound and/or crunching feeling of bone rubbing against bone.
  • Walking with a limp.

Here are some common options for dealing with an osteoarthritic hip. As the disease progresses, pain medications, anti-inflammatory drugs or a total hip replacement may become necessary. (Please talk to your doctor for guidance.)

  • Activity modification - Listen to your body and learn from experience. Slow down or stop activities before they start to hurt.
  • Rest and sleep - Plan to prevent overuse of the joint and recover from exertions.
  • Weight loss - The loss of weight reduces the stress on load-bearing joints, such as the hip.
  • Proper exercise - This improves flexibility, mood, blood flow and general health, while maintaining or decreasing weight. Aquatic exercises take the pressure off the hips.
  • Physical therapy - Heat, ice, whirlpool, stretching and/or strengthening may be appropriate.
(Sources: Nat. Inst. Of Arthritis & Musculoskeletal & Skin Diseases, Amer. Acad. Of Orthopaedic Surgeons)