Hip Pain

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common origin of hip pain. It is a degenerative joint disease which is characterized by progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the joint. It typically affects patients over 50 years of age.

Hip osteoarthritis is more common in patients who are overweight, and weight loss tends to reduce the symptoms associated with OA Hip. Other factors which can contribute to the development of OA Hip include family history and previous trauma.

Common symptoms of OA Hip are pain during activites, feeling of stiffness, limitation of range of motion, and limping gait. These symptoms are often fluctuating, especially when the weather changes.

Medications and Physiotherapy are effective in controlling the symptoms. Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Glucosamine are usually prescribed by doctors to help treat pain and inflammation. Appropriate physiotherapy treatments can also help. Electrophysical Therapy is effective in relieving pain, reducing inflammation, improving circulation and preventing muscle atrophy. Manual Therapy is effective in improving mobility of the hip joint. Exercise Therapy and Hydrotherapy (exercise in water) are excellent for building up strength of muscles surrounding the joint. For more serious condition, where cartilage at the hip joint is massively destructed, Total Hip Replacement Surgery may be indicated to implant an artificial joint.