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Osteoarthritis of the hip
Osteoarthritis of the hip develops slowly and gradually worsens, and the pain is often insidious and increases gradually over time. It may start with pain in the groin, glutes, thighs and even knees, associated with physical activity. The stiffness increases more and more and is usually worse in the morning. Mobility in the hip is reduced, but the knee may also be affected. It becomes more difficult to perform certain movements, such as bending down to tie your shoes, as the outward rotation of the hip and knee, in conjunction with hip flexion, can be difficult and cause severe pain. As the osteoarthritis progresses, the pain becomes more noticeable even at rest and at night. The muscles around the hip and legs weaken, walking and moving may become difficult, and there may be a limp with a typical wobbly gait. Climbing stairs can be difficult, also because of weakened muscles, and often people resort to so-called baby steps, double steps, where the healthy leg (in case of unilateral osteoarthritis) takes the lead and takes the load and the weak leg just follows. All this causes major problems in everyday life and reduces quality of life.
What is hip osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis of the hip means that the cartilage in the hip joint is breaking down faster than it is being rebuilt. Cartilage, like other tissues, is living tissue and is continually renewed, although cartilage takes a little longer to renew than, for example, muscle cells. Articular cartilage is made up of abundant collagen, hyaluronic acid and other large molecules that bind large amounts of water and provide a firm and elastic tissue. In a healthy joint, there is a balance between building up and breaking down. In osteoarthritis, this balance is disturbed. This means that friction in the joint increases and eventually bone can rub against bone, as the articular cartilage is completely worn down.
The cause is usually a prolonged overload, often due to oblique loading of the hip joint when the ball of the joint is not loaded correctly in its socket, but rather rubs against the cartilage.
Hip osteoarthritis Symptom
The symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hip are insidious and can escalate gradually over many years. Common signs of osteoarthritis are pain in the hip, groin and upper thigh after physical activity. Pain from the gluteal muscles is also common. Stiffness after rest and limitation of movement, especially during external and internal rotation of the hip. Muscle weakness and lameness will also eventually occur and the affected person will have a characteristic wobbly gait. There may also be a radiating, cutting pain down to the knee, which may be misinterpreted as the knee being the cause of the pain.
Who usually gets osteoarthritis of the hip?
Osteoarthritis of the hip usually affects people over the age of 45, as the cartilage becomes drier and more fragile with age. People who put a lot of strain on the hip joint over a long period of time, such as some heavy manual labor and elite sports, are particularly at risk. With repeated, prolonged movement and strain, it is very important that the pelvis and the body as a whole are well balanced so that the joint is properly loaded, which is not the case when the pelvis is pulled at an angle (due to monotonous work, overexertion, tension, injury, etc.)
Post-menopausal women have a twofold increased risk of developing osteoarthritis. Other risk factors include excessive exercise, even too little movement and exercise, weak muscles, obesity, joint damage, smoking and heredity. Diabetes can also be a risk factor as high sugar levels destroy the elasticity of fascia and thus cartilage.
How to prevent hip osteoarthritis
Movement is important to keep joints healthy. Regular, moderate exercise, such as some form of yoga or Pilates with a knowledgeable instructor, will help maintain balance.
Prevent hip osteoarthritis by regularly checking and balancing your body and pelvis. Regular treatment and massage at a fascia clinic, for example, will get the blood flowing and release tension, allowing you to correct misalignments in time. Therefore, also pay attention to whether you get pain in the hip flexors and treat or train your muscles in time.
Nutritional intake is also important, especially collagen, vitamin C and magnesium, which are often deficient factors in our daily dietary intake. Without the right building blocks, the body cannot keep cartilage in shape and build new cartilage.
When and where should I seek treatment for osteoarthritis of the hip?
The best way to prevent osteoarthritis of the hip is to regularly check and ensure that the body is in balance. If the injury has already occurred, it is important to ensure that it does not get worse and to give the body the best conditions for healing and building new cartilage. This can only happen if the joint is loaded correctly and if the right building blocks, such as collagen, are present.
Good help is available at a fascia clinic, which always tries to correct the body’s imbalances so that the pelvis is in balance and the joint is loaded correctly.
Laser therapy and other treatments such as acupuncture, TENS, etc. can also be effective in reducing tension and pain.
What can I do myself for osteoarthritis of the hip?
Train yourself
Regular, moderate exercise to improve joint mobility and build muscle strength is the most important thing to do when you have osteoarthritis. Following an exercise program with simple exercises, 5-10 minutes per day, increases mobility and strength. You can also join an osteoarthritis school online and get help with exercise tips. The important thing is to exercise every day and get into a regular routine. Examples of good exercise:
Do relaxation exercises lying on the floor with your legs bent at 90° at the hip and knee. Arms out to the sides with palms up. Breathe in deep, slow breaths and feel your lower back pressed into the floor. Lie like this for at least 10 minutes.
Straight leg raises 3 directions. Do straight leg raises in back, side and stomach positions.
- “Half-lie” with your forearms as support and lift one leg up at about 45 degrees and come back.
- Lie on the healthy side of the body . The injured leg is lifted upwards, outwards from the body. Come back and repeat.
- Lie on your stomach. If your groin hurts, a pillow may help. Lift your leg and move it upwards, behind your body.
Collagen supplements
Supplementing with large amounts, at least 15 g, of hydrolyzed collagen ensures that you get the amino acids, building blocks needed to build new articular cartilage. Vitamin C is also important, along with collagen, to build strong fascia.
Visit a FasciaClinic
Go for regular treatment at a FasciaClinic. Then you will get someone to look at your body balance so that misalignments are removed and only then can the body heal the osteoarthritis. If the pelvis is crooked, the newly formed cartilage will be constantly worn down and no improvement can be made.
Assistive devices for hip osteoarthritis
It is important to use shoes that are shock-absorbing and that are not slanted to get the right load on each joint up to the hip and also for the entire spine, shoulders and shoulders. If you have difficulty walking, a cane or similar is good to avoid limping and overloading other joints.
