Hip osteoarthritis is caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage that covers the natural junction of the pelvis with the femur of each leg. Cartilage tissue has the function of cushioning overloads, facilitating joint movement and preventing bone friction from occurring between them.
When the thickness of the cartilage is reduced, a degenerative problem begins to appear in the gear of the bones involved (femur and pelvis), this is what is known as hip osteoarthritis.
This disease usually has a slow and prolonged development, producing different symptoms according to the current state in which it is. The progressive phases of hip osteoarthritis range from grade 0 (still unnoticeable) to grade 4 (maximum damage).
At the Panama Clinic Orthopedic Center, we look forward to providing you with the dedicated attention of our specialists to give you the comprehensive medical approach you are looking for.
Our team of expert orthopedists will be in charge of performing diagnostic tests, including: anamnesis, joint examination and radiographic studies, to determine the origin of your injury.
Although there is no definitive treatment to cure hip osteoarthritis, there are several alternatives that work effectively in reducing symptoms and delaying their evolution; actions that therefore provide a better quality of life to the patient.
The most conservative methods may include: physical approach to the patient, pharmacological treatment, and some recommendations to reduce the level of intensity in routine physical activities; The duration of the period of inactivity will be set by your treating doctor.
Severe cases generally require a more complex surgical treatment (surgery), where the doctor is in charge of replacing the damaged joint with a special metal prosthesis, to restore the patient’s correct joint function.
Non-surgical treatments are the first option to relieve the discomfort caused by hip osteoarthritis. Maintaining an adequate weight, correcting any anatomical malformations and establishing a specific exercise plan for each patient is at the top of the list of medical priorities.
Along with the aforementioned measures, doctors prescribe other additional medications to make recovery as painless as possible; all this is personally valued within the office.
The most notorious symptom in hip osteoarthritis is pain, usually the sensation of pain intensifies in the groin area. The patient may hear cracking sounds when walking or bending over; as well as experiencing stiffness and decreased mobility in one or both legs.
In some cases, the pain may radiate from the groin and down the inner thigh until it reaches the knee; When this happens, it is normal for the patient to mistake their hip osteoarthritis for a knee injury.
Hip osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of osteoarthritis in adults over 50 years of age. Various internal and external factors are involved in this disease; the main causes of its appearance being the following:
Overweight or obesity.
History of family members with osteoarthritis.
Aging.
Wear and tear due to excessive joint load, either from sports practice or from repetitive and prolonged work.
Anatomical alterations in the internal structures of the hip.
Physiotherapy is part of the comprehensive approach to the disease, and can be applied in patients with mild, moderate or advanced hip osteoarthritis. It is very likely that the physiotherapy approach includes both active and passive techniques and methods; These can be:
Proper management of posture and pain.
Manual techniques to achieve greater joint flexibility.
Therapeutic exercises.
Complementary therapies (Thermotherapy and Cryotherapy).
Electrical impulse therapy (Electroanalgesia).
Magnetotherapy.
Kinesiotaping.
Hydrotherapy.
Myofascial release.
Gait re-education therapy.
Static and dynamic stretching exercises.
Among others.
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