Early symptoms of hip arthritis include locking, grinding, limping, pain & discomfort. Hip arthritis makes it difficult to do everyday tasks such as bending over to pick something up, walking up the stairs, unable to stand or sit for long periods, getting up from a chair, or going for a walk become more challenging and is extremely painful.
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball, at the top of the femur (thighbone) is called the femoral head. The socket, called the acetabulum, is a part of the pelvis. The ball moves in the socket, allowing the leg to rotate and move forward, backward and sideways. Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue that covers the surface of the bone and helps protect and cushion the joint to decrease friction and increase the range of motion.
As arthritis in the hip worsens, the cartilage that cushions your joints wears away, causing friction, damage to the bones, and inflammation which results in pain and stiffness.
In the early stages of hip arthritis, it is recommended to check with physical therapist as it is always better to avoid surgery.
Types of Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is when the cartilage of the hip joint gradually wears down which over time leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, and lack of mobility. It is the most common type of hip arthritis and may occur only on one side.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and a loss of function in the joints. In this arthritis, the immune system attacks the cartilage that protects the joints.
It’s important to know the type of arthritis that you’re experiencing in your hips as they require different treatments when specifying your plan of care.
In addition to the more common types of arthritis above, other types of arthritis could be causing your discomfort. It’s best to check with a physician or a physical therapist as early as possible to treat and maintain mobility and function in the hip joint.
Early symptoms of hip arthritis-
How physical therapy can help?
Physical therapist at SOS PHYSIO Rehab can help in improving your range of motion & strengthening the muscles of the hip. With a professional personalized plan, physical therapy exercises can drastically relieve stiffness, improve your flexibility, build strength & increase your ability to move your joints to their full range of motion.
Our goal is to relieve the pain so you can prevent hip replacement surgery, or if you are looking for a faster recovery time post-surgery, SOS PHYSIO Rehab have the expertise and tools to help you get back to doing the daily activities you love.