HIP OSTEOARTHRITIS

The hip joint is composed of a ball (femoral head) and a socket (acetabulum), surrounded by powerful joint capsules, muscle and ligaments. Hip osteoarthritis means that after long-term wear and tear of the cartilage of this joint, the surface is no longer smooth, and the normally smooth cartilage is gradually worn away, causing inflammation and pain.

• Usually over age 50
• Common in overweight people
• Failure of hip joint development in childhood
• Insufficient blood supply to bones in childhood, resulting in permanent damage to the hip

•  Leg length discrepancy or scoliosis
• Standing or limp for a long time
• Participate in jumping or kung fu sports
• People who have suffered a hip injury or surgery

• Hip joint pain. The pain is triggered when the affected hip joint bears weight, such as prolonged walking or sitting
• Swelling and deformation of the hip joint
• Physical activities are restricted, which may make it difficult for the patient to perform certain activities, such as sitting and getting up on a low chair, getting in and out of the vehicles, going to the toilet
• Difficulty in walking, or limping gait

Treatments aim at anti-inflammation, pain relief and improving hip functions. The use of medication and physiotherapy can effectively improve this condition. Patients should reduce the activity of the affected hip joint during the treatment period to avoid excessive stress. Electrophysical therapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture and joint mobilization can relieve the pain. Physiotherapists may perform manual therapy to improve joint mobility, and release the tightened soft tissues with specific strengthening exercises for improving leg alignment. If therapy is not effective for cure after several years, and this condition seriously affects one’s walking and daily life, patients may consider consulting a doctor for undergoing total hip replacement surgery. However, one should understand the pros and cons of surgery and the realistic goal for joint replacement.

• Avoid overweight and repeated high-stress hip movements
• Maintain good sitting posture and avoid cross leg sitting or side-sitting
• If a patient suffered from leg length discrepancy, wear a tailor-made insole to correct alignment
• Stretching and strengthening regimes for hip muscles and joints

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