Can You Avoid Hip Replacement Surgery?

 As we age, the cushioning cartilage in our hip joints wears down, causing pain from the bones grinding against each other. When this pain becomes too much to bear, hip replacement surgery is called for. Other reasons for this surgery include fractures and rheumatoid arthritis.

However, there are things you can do to keep your hip bones strong to avoid surgery as long as possible.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Every 10 pounds of weight gain translates to 30 to 60 extra pounds of pressure on your joints, causing cartilage to break down more quickly. Losing that extra poundage can make a big difference.

Watch what you eat. Not only will certain foods quickly pack on the pounds, some even cause inflammation that can actually increase hip pain. These include sugar, white flour, white rice and potatoes.

Get Regular Exercise

Besides helping with your weight goals, exercise strengthens the muscles surrounding your hips and back. When these muscles are strong, your hips have more support to achieve better alignment and avoid grinding.

Vary your routine. Not only will this prevent your enthusiasm from waning, it will also train different parts of your body. You don’t have to become a bodybuilder. Swimming, walking, biking and using an elliptical machine are all good types of exercise that are easy on the joints and help you to gain strength and flexibility.

Try Physical Therapy

Along with exercise, get regular treatment from a professional physical therapist who can manipulate your joints to ease pain and increase flexibility.

Take Supplements and Anti-Inflammatories

Over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as Nuprin, Advil and Motrin, can help to reduce inflammation and ease hip pain.

Chondroitin and glucosamine supplements may also be helpful. Chondroitin sulfate can help to keep cartilage from deteriorating, and glucosamine stimulates cartilage formation and repair.

Don’t Ignore Hip Pain

If you are experiencing pain in your hips, schedule an appointment with the experts at the Orthopedic Performance Institute. We can diagnose your condition and recommend the best courses of preventative treatment. The Orthopedic Performance Institute has offices in the Stone Oak area of San Antonio and Boerne.

Schedule your appointment with the Orthopedic Performance Institute today.