HIP OSTEOARTHRITIS

Hi Finola,

I saw last week’s Avondhu piece and was interested in what you were saying about knee osteoarthritis. I have a similar issue with my hip. It is stiff in the morning and then once I get going it loosens out. I find it hard to get out walking for longer distances as my hip just ends up being painful. Based on your advice last week I’m thinking that this should be beneficial for my hip, but when it is sore after, I don’t know what to do. Am I causing further damage to my hip? I don’t want to go down the line of a hip replacement if possible.

Marie

Hi Marie,

Thanks for your message. Firstly, yes avoiding a hip replacement is possible through strengthening the muscles around the hip and leg. Sometimes, surgery may still be required but often it can be avoided. It’s all about pacing in regards to your walking. As you strengthen up your hip you will be able to gradually increase your walking. However, this needs to be done gradually. Remember, pain doesn’t always mean you are damaging your hip.

In the meantime sometimes non-weight bearing exercises for example cycling which can be done on a stationary bike or something like swimming if pools were open would be beneficial. Exercise is very beneficial for anyone with osteoarthritis, it’s just about getting the right mix of strength and aerobic exercise that’s suitable for you. It’s important to remember that it takes anywhere from weeks to months to build muscle strength and therefore it’s not a quick fix but you will see improvements in your function and a reduction in your pain.

Feel free to check out our hip and knee guide from our apcphysio.ie website for more information.

Kind Regards, Finola