Treatment of hip arthritis should begin with the most basic steps, and progress to the more involved, possibly including surgery. Not all treatments are appropriate in every patient, and you should have a discussion with your doctor to determine which treatments are appropriate for your hip arthritis.
1) Weight Loss. Probably one of the most important, yet least commonly performed treatments. The less weight the joint has to carry, the less painful activities will be.
2) Activity Modification. Limiting certain activities may be necessary, and learning new exercise methods may be helpful.
3) Walking Aids. Use of a cane or a single crutch is the hand opposite the affected hip will help decrease the demand placed on the arthritic joint.
4) Physical Therapy. Strengthening of the muscles around the hip joint may help decrease the burden on the hip. Preventing atrophy of the muscles is an important part of maintaining functional use of the hip.
5) Anti-Inflammatory Medications Anti-inflammatory pain medications (NSAIDs) are prescription and nonprescription drugs that help treat pain and inflammation.
6) Joint Supplements (Glucosamine). Glucosamine appears to be safe and might be effective for treatment of osteoarthritis, but research into these supplements has been limited.
7) Total Hip Replacement Surgery. In this procedure the cartilage is removed and a metal & plastic implant is placed in the hip.
1) Weight Loss. Probably one of the most important, yet least commonly performed treatments. The less weight the joint has to carry, the less painful activities will be.
2) Activity Modification. Limiting certain activities may be necessary, and learning new exercise methods may be helpful.
3) Walking Aids. Use of a cane or a single crutch is the hand opposite the affected hip will help decrease the demand placed on the arthritic joint.
4) Physical Therapy. Strengthening of the muscles around the hip joint may help decrease the burden on the hip. Preventing atrophy of the muscles is an important part of maintaining functional use of the hip.
5) Anti-Inflammatory Medications Anti-inflammatory pain medications (NSAIDs) are prescription and nonprescription drugs that help treat pain and inflammation.
6) Joint Supplements (Glucosamine). Glucosamine appears to be safe and might be effective for treatment of osteoarthritis, but research into these supplements has been limited.
7) Total Hip Replacement Surgery. In this procedure the cartilage is removed and a metal & plastic implant is placed in the hip.