Understanding hip osteoarthritis: a comprehensive guide

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that affects many people, particularly as they age.

At Lifecare Frankston, we aim to provide comprehensive care and information to help you manage this condition effectively.

Who is commonly affected?

Hip OA typically affects older adults, but it can also occur in younger individuals, especially those with a history of hip injuries or genetic predispositions.

Factors that increase the risk include:

• Age: The likelihood of developing hip OA increases with age.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop OA than men.
• Obesity: Excess weight can put additional stress on the hip joints.
• Previous injuries: Past hip injuries can lead to the development of OA.

How is hip osteoarthritis diagnosed?

Diagnosing hip OA involves a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging studies.

At Lifecare Frankston, our physiotherapists use the following methods:

• Medical history: By listening to and understanding the patient’s symptom behaviours, aggravating factors and medical history, our physiotherapists can diagnose a cause of your hip pain.
• Physical examination: Assessing the range of motion, strength, and pain in the hip joint will guide our treatment and need for further intervention.
• Imaging tests: X-rays and MRI scans can help visualise the extent of any joint damage and rule out other conditions.

Treatment options

Managing hip OA involves a multi-faceted approach.

At Lifecare Frankston, we offer a range of treatments to help alleviate symptoms and improve joint function:

• Lifestyle modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms are crucial for managing hip OA.
• Assistive devices: Using devices such as canes or walkers can help reduce stress on the hip joint and improve mobility.
• Physiotherapy: Our physiotherapists design personalised exercise programs to strengthen the muscles around the hip, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. Here’s how it helps:
• Strengthening exercises: Targeted exercises to build the muscles around the hip joint, providing better support and reducing strain on the joint.
• Flexibility and range of motion: Stretching exercises to maintain or improve the hip’s range of motion, helping to reduce stiffness and improve mobility.
• Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques to mobilise the hip joint and surrounding tissues, which can help reduce pain and improve function.
• Education and advice: Guidance on activity modification, posture, and ergonomics to help manage symptoms and prevent further joint stress.
• Pain management techniques: Techniques such as heat or cold therapy to help manage pain and inflammation.
• Hydrotherapy: Exercising in water can be particularly beneficial for those with hip OA. The buoyancy of water reduces stress on the joints while allowing for effective exercise. Benefits include reduced joint stress, improved mobility, and pain relief from the soothing effects of warm water.
• Clinical exercise classes: Group exercise classes that focus on improving joint health and overall fitness can be very effective. Benefits include social support from exercising with others, structured programs led by trained professionals, and a variety of exercises tailored to individuals with hip OA.
• Surgical referral: In severe cases, surgical interventions like hip replacement may be considered. This is typically a last resort when other treatments have not provided sufficient relief. At Lifecare Frankston, we have close relationships with local and Melbourne based surgeons who we can recommend if required.

Recovery and physiotherapy after a total hip replacement

Recovery from a total hip replacement involves several stages, and physiotherapy plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful outcome.

Here’s what to expect:

• Immediate post-surgery: In the first few days after surgery, the focus is on pain management and beginning gentle movements. Physiotherapists will guide you through basic exercises to improve circulation and prevent complications.
• Early rehabilitation: During the first few weeks, physiotherapy will focus on restoring mobility and strength. Exercises will include walking with assistance, gentle stretching, and strengthening exercises for the hip and surrounding muscles.
• Ongoing rehabilitation: As you progress, the physiotherapy program will become more intensive. This phase includes more challenging exercises to improve balance, coordination, and overall mobility. Hydrotherapy can also be beneficial during this stage to reduce joint stress while exercising.
• Long-term recovery: Full recovery and return to normal activity can take several months. Physiotherapists will continue to monitor your progress and adjust your exercise program as needed. The goal is to return to normal activities and improve your quality of life, for which we will be guided by you.

Conclusion

At Lifecare Frankston, we are dedicated to helping our patients manage hip osteoarthritis through a combination of physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and clinical exercise classes.

Our goal is to improve your quality of life and help you stay active and pain-free.

In addition to normal 1:1 Physiotherapy assessments, Lifecare Frankston also offers group clinical exercise classes throughout the week.

Group hydrotherapy classes at the Core 24 Fitness Centre pool also run on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 12:30pm or 1pm.

For more information or to book an appointment, visit our clinic in Frankston or call us today.

Let us help you take the first step towards better joint health and a more active lifestyle.

Jasper is a physiotherapist at Lifecare Frankston, with experience in treating hip osteoarthritis. With a passion for helping others, he is committed to improving the quality of life for each patient. His approach combines personalised care with therapeutic techniques, ensuring that every individual receives treatment tailored to their unique needs.

References

• Fan, Z., Yan, L., Liu, H., Li, X., Fan, K., Liu, Q., Li, J., & Wang, B. (2023). The prevalence of hip osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 25(1), 51.
• Glyn-Jones, S., Palmer, A. J., Agricola, R., Price, A. J., Vincent, T. L., & Weinans, H. H. (2015). Osteoarthritis. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 1, 15026.
• Sandiford, N., Kendoff, D., & Muirhead-Allwood, S. (2020). Osteoarthritis of the hip: Aetiology, pathophysiology and current aspects of management. Annals of Joint, 5(1), 5539.
• Spector, T. D., & MacGregor, A. J. (2014). Risk factors for osteoarthritis: Genetics. Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 10(1), 44-53.
• Teirlinck, C. H., Dorleijn, D. M. J., Bos, P. K., Rijkels-Otters, J. B. M., Bierma-Zeinstra, S. M. A., & Luijsterburg, P. A. J. (2019). Prognostic factors for progression of osteoarthritis of the hip: A systematic review. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 21(1), 192.