Hip osteoarthritis (OA) takes away the cartilage that protects your joints, often resulting in pain and stiffness. Because hip arthritis is a progressive condition, your symptoms will likely worsen as the cartilage continues to break down. Some people with hip arthritis in New Orleans can use conservative treatments for years before surgery is required.
The treatment options for hip arthritis range from conservative (such as exercising and stretching) to invasive, which typically requires hip replacement surgery. All these treatments can improve pain management and improve mobility.
Read on to learn about the treatment options you have for hip arthritis in New Orleans.
1. Pain management medication: Pain management is among the initial treatment options for hip arthritis. For those who experience mild symptoms, over-the-counter ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen may manage the pain. These medications also have anti-inflammatory properties, so they may also reduce any irritation of the nerves. People with moderate to severe cases of OA of the hip may need more help in the form of prescription pain relievers and anti-arthritis medications.
Injections: Your New Orleans orthopedic surgeon may also recommend injections to reduce pain. These injections include the following:
Hyaluronic acid provides lubrication to your joints and reduces stiffness.
Steroid injections can reduce inflammation and swelling in the hip, which reduces pain. But these injections may also thin the surrounding bones and the pain relief may be temporary.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy uses a sample of your own blood to create a concentration of blood platelets, which are then injected into the damaged area of the cartilage to relieve pain and speed healing.
Many of these pain management options are used along with physical therapy exercises.
2. Physical therapy and stretches for hip arthritis in New Orleans: Low-impact physical therapy can also keep you flexible and allow your hips to move more smoothly. Good exercises for physical therapy include:
Yoga;
Tai chi;
Stationary biking;
Swimming.
If you’re unsure about proper posture and alignment, ask your doctor to recommend a physical therapist that can guide you through exercises and reduce the chance of injury.
3. Stretching: Stretching can help relieve stiff, achy or painful joints. All stretches should be done gently, and be sure to stop if you experience any pain. Use caution when exercising, and if you don’t feel pain after the first few days of exercise, gradually increase the time you spend on this activity. Ask your doctor before starting any stretches or exercises for your hip.
4. Self-care routines for hip arthritis in New Orleans: Your lifestyle can contribute to hip arthritis, particularly if you perform a lot of physical labor. Lifestyle changes, along with medical treatment, can also help quiet symptoms.
Here are some self-care routines for relief:
Get more rest. Eliminate activities that make your symptoms worse, especially during a flare-up.
Lose weight. Excess weight puts more pressure on your hips and knees.
Change your diet. Research shows that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the signs of arthritis in cartilage.
Use compresses. Apply heat to a stiff hip joint or cold to swollen areas.
Exercise regularly. It has been shown that routine low-impact exercise coupled with a weight-loss program, can help a person delay surgery for a long time.
5. Alternative therapies and supplements: Some people have also tried using natural therapies to treat hip arthritis in New Orleans. Although research related to the effectiveness of natural therapies isn’t always convincing, many people have found relief using approaches such as:
Acupuncture;
Hydrotherapy;
Massage;
Supplements.
Always talk to your doctor before taking any supplement. Natural supplements can interact with medications.
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but there are plenty of effective treatments to help you manage this chronic condition. Speak to your doctor early on, so you can put a treatment plan in place for hip arthritis in New Orleans. The earlier you begin your treatment, the better your outlook will be.
Francis Burns is an avid writer from Louisiana. With a Bachelor’s in English and a background in journalism, Francis has been writing for a variety of media outlets for the last five years. He specializes in stories about the local culture and loves to fill his work with inspiring words. When not writing, Francis enjoys exploring the outdoors of Louisiana and photographing nature.
