Hip arthritis can significantly impact your daily life, making simple movements painful and reducing your overall mobility. However, various strategies can alleviate pain and stiffness, helping you regain a more active and comfortable lifestyle.
What is Hip Arthritis?
Hip arthritis refers to a range of conditions characterized by pain and inflammation in the hip joint. The most common type is osteoarthritis, often called “wear-and-tear” arthritis, where the cartilage that cushions the hip joint gradually wears away.
This breakdown causes the bones to rub together, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Explains Sumon Nandi, MD, MBA, FAOA, an orthopedic surgeon and associate professor of orthopedics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. “The bones then grind against each other, causing pain. Arthritis commonly develops in the hip, but can also occur in all the other joints in our body.” Other forms of hip arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, and arthritis resulting from unusual causes like gout or lupus.
Where is Hip Arthritis Pain Felt?
The primary symptom of hip arthritis is pain, which can vary from mild to severe. While the pain is typically felt in the hip area, its exact location can differ. Common areas where hip arthritis pain may be felt include:
- Groin: Pain is frequently felt in the groin area.
- Thigh: Pain can radiate down the thigh.
- Buttock: Some individuals experience pain in the buttock region.
- Lower Back: Pain may extend to the lower back.
- Knee: In some cases, pain can be felt in the knee.
The pain may worsen with specific movements, prolonged activity, or after periods of rest. Some people also experience increased joint pain during rainy weather.
How to Soothe Hip Arthritis Pain
While there’s currently no cure for osteoarthritis, a combination of medical treatments and physical therapy can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. Doctors often recommend natural approaches alongside medication.
Lifestyle modifications: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly impact hip arthritis symptoms. Weight loss, if applicable, reduces stress on the hip joint. Avoiding activities that aggravate the condition, such as running and jumping, can also provide relief.
Exercise and Stretching: Regular exercise is one of the best ways to manage hip osteoarthritis. Exercise helps strengthen the muscles supporting the hip joint. Stretching can also improve flexibility and reduce joint stiffness6. Some helpful exercises and stretches include:
- Sitting Hip Flexion: Sit in a chair with your back straight and feet flat on the floor. Gently raise one knee toward the ceiling, keeping your knees bent at a 90° angle. Slowly lower your leg back to the starting position and repeat on the opposite side.
- Sit-Stand: Start in a seated position with your back straight and feet flat. Lean forward and use momentum to stand up, then bend your knees and hips to sit back down. Alternate between sitting and standing.
Hot and Cold Therapy: Applying heat and cold can help manage arthritis pain. Heat increases blood flow, relaxes muscles, and helps eliminate waste products. Cold reduces blood flow to decrease inflammation and swelling.
Medications and Injections: Painkillers like paracetamol can help ease pain and stiffness. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling. Steroid injections are also an option.
When to See a Doctor for Hip Arthritis Pain
If you experience persistent hip pain or stiffness, consulting a doctor is essential. A doctor can diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options. You should seek medical advice if you experience:
- Pain that doesn’t go away: Persistent joint pain or stiffness warrants a visit to the doctor.
- Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving your hip through its full range of motion should be evaluated.
- Swelling: Swelling around the hip joint can be a sign of inflammation that needs medical attention.
- A Grating Sensation: If you experience a grating sensation or hear popping or crackling sounds when moving your hip, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.
- Weakness in the Hip: If you notice weakness in the hip, it’s important to see a doctor.
- Symptoms Worsen Over Time: If your symptoms progressively worsen, seek medical advice to manage the condition effectively.
Hip arthritis symptoms can worsen over time. The condition may progress rapidly, and in some cases, individuals can go from having no signs to needing a hip replacement in a relatively short period.
