Understanding and Managing Hip Osteoarthritis in Young Adults

Managing Hip Osteoarthritis in Young Adults:

Pharmacological and Non-pharmacological Interventions In The Management of Pain & Mobility.

Introduction
Hip osteoarthritis that was once considered a health condition that majorly affected the elder population is now affecting the young generation and consequently changing their lives, introducing rigidity and limited movement. In this blog, I discuss what hip osteoarthritis is, who gets it and the steps that can be taken at the onset, the processes that can be put in place to help one cope with it and still be an active person.

Understanding Hip Osteoarthritis

Hip Osteoarthritis Overview

The hip osteoarthritis is a nonsynovial joint disease characterized by degenerative changes of the articular cartilage in the hip joint with restricted movements, joint pain and stiffness. Contrary to the belief that it impacts only the elderly population, this disease may develop in the young population because of certain factors. Symptoms recognition at the early stage and knowing why they occur is very important in management.

Hip Osteoarthritis Diagnosis

Hip pain for young adults is the worst, especially if it is constant; thus, it is crucial to get the right diagnosis. Computer-or web-based clinics or physicians will in most cases start with a detailed medical history and physical examination. Investigations like X-ray and MRI may be done for evaluating the extent of damage to the joint and as a means of coming up with a conclusive diagnosis of the problem.

Symptoms of Hip Osteoarthritis

Chronic Hip Pain:

Chronic pain that occurs as a result of motion or when weight is placed on an area of the body.

Stiffness:

This is characterized by discomfort at the hip joint especially after some idle time of the hip joint.

Reduced Range of Motion:

Restricted ability to operate the hip joint normally that forces you limit certain activities.

Grinding or Clicking Sensations:

Sensations that are felt when a certain movement of the hip joint is applied.

Muscle Weakness and Instability:

Reduced capacity of the most important muscles that creates a sensation in the hip as if it is not firmly entrenched.

Journal article – An insight into the possible causes of Hip Osteoarthritis in young adults.

As this has indicated, people of young age can also suffer from osteoarthritis because of the various causes. It becomes crucial for one to understand these causes with a purpose of preventing them and, in the process, giving an appropriately focused treatment.

Based on research, the following are some of the main factors which can lead to Hip Osteoarthritis:

Joint Injuries or Trauma:

Prior hip injury, for instance a fracture or dislocation can predispose the hip to develop osteoarthritis at a young age.

Repetitive Stress on the Hip Joint:

Any high impacting sports or any other activities that put repetitive stress on the hip joint may lead to cartilage damage.

Genetic Factors:

If there is a positive family history then there will be a higher chance to develop the osteoarthritis earlier in life.

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip asymmetry is followed by early onset of osteoarthritis in the adult population of young age.

Obesity and Excess Body Weight:

Obesity puts pressure on the hip tissues and this place is much more exposed to rub stress which bring on cartilage destruction.

Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the Femoral Head:

A disease where the femoral head is frozen due to lack of blood supply and will come to be infected and turn into osteoarthritis.

A Literature Review of Hip Osteoarthritis Management

The best way of addressing POSHA in young adults is to use medical interventions, changes in behaviors, and other complementary practices.

It would be more helpful to summarise this for patients using hip osteoarthritis sufferers, for example:

Medications:

Non-prescription or prescription pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs which are available include pain killers help to reduce pain and inflammation..

Physical Therapy:

Specific stretches and physical activities that concerns the hip muscles of the women.

Hot and Cold Therapy:

Cubing muscles with heat or numbing pain and bringing down inflammation by using cold.

Weight Management:

Choosing a healthy weight so as to put little pressure on the hip joint thus delaying the progress of the disease.

Advanced Treatment Options

Joint Injections:

Injections of corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid will ease the pain since the former has anti–inflammatory properties while the latter works as a joint lubricant.

Regenerative Medicine:

PRP or stem cell therapy is one of the potentially effective treatment options focusing on tissue regeneration of the affected area and on pain relief.

Surgical Interventions:

In worst cases, reconstructive surgeries for example hip arthroscopy or total hip replacement may be recommended as a way of regaining hip joint function.

Life Style Changes and other Treatment Modalities

However, apart from medication, there are many measures that could be used to address hip osteoarthritis: lifestyle changes and non-pharmacological or non-surgical interventions.

The following are exercises which are recommended for those who would wish to; improve hip flexibility and strengthening.

Daily Stretching:

It is important to note that hip stretches can preserve the facet joint mobility.

Low-Impact Exercises:

Such exercises such as swimming and cycling are said to be friendly to the joints but highly important in maintaining the cardiorespiratory fitness.

Strength Training:

Some of the exercises aim at hip muscles and disappointing muscles which can improve stability of the hip and reduce hip pain.

Joint-Friendly Physical Activities

Yoga and Pilates:

Due to this, these exercises are gentle on the joints with particular focus on the hip without exerting a lot of pressure on the joint.

Avoiding High-Impact Sports:

Limiting such activities as running or playing basketball, a person can avoid worsening of the condition of their joints.

Perez and colleagues recommended the following screening preventive measures for hip arthritis:

Healthy Weight Maintenance:

Proper nutrition and increased physical activity helps to make sure that excess weight does not become a strong strain on joints.

Protecting the Hip Joint:

It is giving a general awareness of joint stress while taking part in physical activities can lead to many injuries and the use of equipment to protect oneself can eliminate these possibilities.

Early Intervention:

It is always advisable to seek the opinion of a doctor when having hip pains as this may also contribute to early treatment or prevention or slowing down the progress of this disease.

Some of the different treatments that may be recommended for hip pain includes the following;

Acupuncture:

Acupuncture may help in alleviating pain and/or enhancing joint movement by manipulation of specific stimulus points.

Massage Therapy:

Can help to reduce the tensioning of the muscles around the region of the hip joint thereby giving symptomatic relief.

Dietary Supplements:

The effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin in relieving symptoms and improving joint health has been stated but the outcome can be rather variable.

Conclusion

But HC OA in young adults requires a special approach, everyone can manage pain, keep mobility and enhance quality of life. Several approaches starting with specific exercises and weight loss to complex treatments and nontraditional therapies are existing to ensure youth with the condition live a good life. If you or someone you love is suffering from hip pain, it is very important to consult a doctor as early as possible to get correct chare of your condition and the best focused plan. That is why it is crucial to adopt these strategies which enable one to manage his health and remain active despite hip osteoarthritis condition.