Osteoarthritis of the hip
কোমরের (হিপ) অস্টিওআর্থ্রাইটিস
This information may be useful if you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the hip. If you have new or ongoing symptoms, you should visit your healthcare professional for advice.
Read about advice on dealing with a hip problem
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a common condition which can affect any joint in the body.
When a joint develops osteoarthritis, part of the cartilage thins and the surface becomes rougher, sometimes called wear and tear. This means the joint doesn't move as smoothly as it should.
Read more about osteoarthritis
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Causes
What causes osteoarthritis of the hip?
Doctors don't know the exact cause of osteoarthritis, but it's likely that several factors work together to bring it on.
Your chances of developing osteoarthritis in the hip can go up because of
- normal changes that come with age
- an old injury to the area
- repetitive movements and physically demanding jobs
- genes passed down from your parents
- carrying excess weight
Diagnosis
How is osteoarthritis of the hip diagnosed?
To find out whether you have osteoarthritis of the hip, you'll need to be assessed by a healthcare professional. They will usually start by asking you about the problems you're having with your hip, then examine you physically, checking things like how far you can move the joint and how strong it is.
Sometimes an x-ray of the hip is used to help confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, you may also need further tests to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
Treatment
How is osteoarthritis of the hip treated?
While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, the symptoms can often be successfully self-managed by making a few changes.
Osteoarthritis of the hip can range in severity; some people can have significant changes shown on an x-ray with mild symptoms and others can have severe symptoms with little physical change.
For both cases, and those in between, treatment would begin with the same approach. Keeping the joint mobile is the best way to manage your symptoms.
You can manage your symptoms by:
- pacing your activities throughout the day.
- adapt activities which increase your pain or you find difficult.
- avoid low seating if possible.
- wearing supportive footwear with cushioned soles and avoiding high heels.
- avoiding sitting in one position for long periods.
Strengthening muscles around your hip will help manage your symptoms.
Read more about exercises for osteoarthritis of the hip
Seating
Low seating often tends to aggravate the hip. Many people find it difficult to get on and off a sofa or toilet or in and out of bed or a car.
It may be useful to increase the height of your seating where possible using cushions or specific products to raise all types of seating.
Arthritis UK have more information on living with arthritis.
Walking aids/use of handrails
When climbing stairs consider using a handrail until your muscles become stronger.
If going upstairs lead with the unaffected leg. If going downstairs lead with the affected leg.
A walking stick may be beneficial, if using ensure it’s used on the opposite side from your affected leg.
If you feel a walking aid would be beneficial you should contact your healthcare professional for advice.
Pain treatments
Pain medication can help you move more comfortably, which can help your recovery
More about taking painkillers
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be required if all other treatment options have been tried.
If you’re waiting on surgery it’s still important to maintain movement in your hip using the management advice above as this will help your recovery.
Read more about what you can do while awaiting hip surgery
Work
Osteoarthritis of the hip can sometimes mean you need to take some time off work to help recovery. How long you’re off will depend on your condition and your role at work.
You don’t need to be symptom free before you consider returning to work. Continuing to go to work, or returning to work as soon as is possible for you, will help your recovery.
Gradually getting back to your normal daily activities can help to build up your strength and stamina levels.
Help and support
Following this advice, you should see gradual improvements over time.
Talk to a healthcare professional if:
- your symptoms haven’t improved within 6 weeks following this advice
- your symptoms get worse
Find out about access to MSK services in your area
When dealing with any health condition it’s important to also look after your mental wellbeing. This can impact your recovery.
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