Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, most commonly affects hips and knee joints. As we age, wear and tear of the joint results in osteoarthritis. Arthritic changes cause inflammation, pain, reduced mobility and strength in the affected joints. Many experience minor inflammation, pain, and stiffness as the cartilage in their hip deteriorates. However, for some osteoarthritis patients, the inflammation progresses, and the pain may become severe.
When you undergo hip osteoarthritis physiotherapy treatment, you will also learn that family history plays a role in osteoarthritis. If this condition is prevalent throughout your lineage, you're more likely to develop it yourself. However, many patients can trace their osteoarthritis back to an injury, work, exercise, or a hobby. Obesity also increases the risk of hip osteoarthritis.
For these reasons – in addition to many others – Panther Sports Medicine offers hip osteoarthritis treatment in Calgary. We aim to assist you with your condition so that you can live a healthy, pain-free life. Now, you may be wondering what to be on the lookout for, as well as how to treat osteoarthritis. Keep reading to find out.
Symptoms of Arthritis in the Hip
- Pain in the hip joint, groin, buttock, or outer thigh is a classical symptom.
- Pain that radiates down the inside of the leg
- Grinding noise (called crepitus) when you move; it’s caused by loose fragments of cartilage and other tissue that interfere with the motion of the joint
- Difficulty getting in and out of a car
- Difficulty bending over, such as putting on socks and shoes
- Pain that worsens with vigorous or extended activity
- Stiffness in the hip or limited/decreased range of motion (ex: can’t sit cross-legged)
Pain develops slowly and gradually gets worse. The pain and stiffness may be worse when you get up in the morning or when you rest for extended periods.
Hip Osteoarthritis Causes and Risk Factors
Joint trauma or injury: Previous trauma to hip joint results in the early development of arthritis in the hip joints
History of high-impact activity: Increase wear and tear due to high-impact activities predisposes your hip(s) to osteoarthritic changes.
Old age: Wear and tear of the joint results in thinning of the cartilage and reduced joint pace.
Genetics: As discussed earlier, family history plays a role in osteoarthritis.
Obesity: Excessive weight produces excessive stress in the hip joint.
Treatment for Osteoarthritis of Hip
A multidisciplinary approach including Doctors, Physiotherapists, Dietitians, Occupational therapists, and Psychologists can play an important part in the management of hip osteoarthritis.
Your doctor may help with medications to reduce pain and inflammation.
Your Physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment and formulate a treatment plan based on your condition and your treatment goals. Your active participation is crucial in the management of Osteoarthritis of the hip. Offloading strategies like swimming, weight control, etc, will help to reduce stress on the hip joint.
Here at Panther Sports Medicine, a premier physiotherapy clinic in Calgary. Your physiotherapist will provide detailed attention to your condition and may employ electrical modalities to modulate pain, manual therapy and mobilization techniques improve pain-free ROM and function, and train you on strengthening and flexibility exercises so that you can comply with the exercise program at home.
If you or someone you know experiences hip osteoarthritis, then contact us to speak with one of our experts here at Panther Sports Medicine to learn more about physiotherapy in Calgary. Be sure to ask about our 10 locations to see which one is most convenient for you
