Guidance may be beneficial from your Physiotherapist or GP to identify what level of exercise is right for you. Different types of exercise could include walking, swimming or cycling.

It’s important to start gently and gradually increasing the length of time you are exercising. Participating in regular exercise will help your overall fitness levels which releases the body’s natural pain killers (endorphins). Muscle-strengthening exercises aim to support and protect the joint resulting in reduced pain levels. Range of movement exercises will help ease stiffness and promote flexibility in the hip. Regular balanced exercise is important to help you maintain range of movement, strength and overall fitness levels. Research suggests the earlier you start to increase your physical activity the better it will be for your hip long term. Osteoarthritis can be variable and it is normal to have good and bad periods.Įxercise is a key treatment for the management of hip osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a long term condition that many people are able to self-manage. A physiotherapy assessment will help to provide the correct walking aid for you, for example, a walking stick or crutch can help ease the pressure of hip pain when walking. Assistive devices (walking aids): There are many different walking aids available which can aid a person struggling with their mobility.Similarly placing a pillow under your knees when lying on your back may also increase comfort. Placing a pillow or cushion in-between your legs in side sleeping can help elevate pain by maintaining a neutral position. Crossing legs is not advised due to causing a strain in the hip joint. Positioning: Avoid sitting in low chairs as this can be more difficult to stand up from.High heels or wedge typed footwear are discouraged due to not allowing for an even weight distribution. Footwear: The use of appropriate footwear may help with shock absorbency of the hip joint which can help reduce pain.The good news is that these can be really effective. There is no cure for hip osteoarthritis however there are many strategies that can be tried to manage and help your symptoms. Female gender – osteoarthritis is more common in woman than men.Being overweight – this increases the load which goes through the joint and puts extra strain on them.Family history – osteoarthritis may run in families due to people inheriting certain genetics from their parents.Age-related changes – the risk of getting osteoarthritis increases as you get older.Repetitive activities and physical jobs can also increase the risk. Previous joint injury – overusing the joint when it’s not had enough times to heal.The exact cause of osteoarthritis is unknown, however, it is likely that a combination of factors may contribute such as: The body’s natural inflammation process is the main cause for these changes within the joint as it attempts to repair the injured area. The bone underneath the cartilage can then react and grows larger causing swelling and reduced range of movement in the joint. Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage which covers the end of bones to break down resulting in it becoming thin and roughened.

Hip osteoarthritis xray vs normal hip