Nonsurgical Treatments for Hip Osteoarthritis
Arthritis, in general, is a pretty interesting condition. There are just so many different types of the disorder. In fact, doctors group certain forms of arthritis under different medical classifications than other types of the disease. As a general rule, arthritis describes a type of joint inflammation, usually caused by age-related wear and tear. Of course, this isn’t always the case. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), for example, is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body’s immune system to attack its own tissues. Because RA is an autoimmune disease, it can affect patients of all ages—from juveniles to adults or seniors. As you might imagine, however, age-related wear and tear is the usual culprit when it comes to arthritis. After all, anything with moving parts will wear down with repetitive use. And, the body is packed to the brim with mechanisms that undergo constant stress. The medical community refers to this age-related form of the condition as osteoarthritis. By far, osteoarthritis is the most common form of this degenerative disease. Simply put, the older you become, the more likely you are to develop osteoarthritis. As we age, we all experience some degree of degeneration when it comes to our joints. However, that does not necessarily mean that everyone is on a course for developing osteoarthritis. Some people are fortunate enough to experience degeneration with little to no painful symptoms as a result. It depends on a variety of factors, from your genetic predispositions to certain lifestyle choices. Though osteoarthritis may affect many different joints in the body, today’s article will specifically focus on cases that affect the hip. Hip Osteoarthritis & Anatomy The hip is one of the largest joints in the entire body. Furthermore, it regularly bears a pretty hefty load, so it is not uncommon for osteoarthritis to manifest at this location. Doctors classify the hip as a ball-and-socket joint. The acetabulum (a cavity or “socket” in the pelvis) interlocks with the femur or thighbone. The “ball” of the joint itself is the rounded femoral head, which sits atop the thighbone. The bony surfaces of any joint in the body work in tandem with articular cartilage. Cartilage works in a fashion similar to motor oil. It’s a slippery material that rests between the bones, thereby reducing friction and preventing them from grinding together. This function is further abetted by the existence of the synovium, which produces a tiny portion of fluid that aids the cartilage in its lubricating purpose. Additionally, this fluid also gives the joint a greater range of motion. Sadly, these structures are not as easily replaceable as motor oil. Of course, that is not to say that there aren’t any treatment options available for osteoarthritis—quite the contrary, in fact. Like any medical condition, your treatment options will depend on the severity and nature of your condition. Many find that they are able to overcome osteoarthritis without the need for surgery. However, more severe cases may necessitate minimally invasive surgical procedures. Most importantly, you should address your osteoarthritis