Arthritis is one of the most common causes of hip pain and is a progressive condition usually confirmed by abnormal findings in hip x-ray such as bone spurs. By progressive disorder we don’t mean that with time the patient’s pain will get more intense and treatment will get more difficult but arthritic changes may progress. There are five different types of arthritis that can affect any individual. Each of the 5 types is unique in its own perspective as the treatment options vary. These five different types of arthritis are mentioned below:
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Systemic lupus arthritis
- Ankyloosing spondylitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
All of these types of arthritis are treated diffhttp://arthritis.ca/understand-arthritis/types-of-arthritis/osteoarthritiserently. There are many ways to treat the symptoms and manage pain thus is vital that every individual seeks professional help as soon as possible. Since this a progressive disorder, treating arthritis in its early stages is much more effective.
Different Symptoms of arthritis in hip x-ray
Even though there are five different types of arthritis they all have the same symptoms and may have similar characteristics on hip x-ray . Some of these symptoms are as follows,
- Walking with a limp
- Difficulty walking
- Pain that worsens with strenuous activity
- Pain that is much more intense in the morning and subsides till the evening
- Pain in the hip and other adjacent area
How do doctors treat or manage arthritis?
There is no generic treatment that is prescribed to patients suffering from any type of arthritis. Your primary care physician will take various factors into account before planning a treatment; some of the factors include medical history, age, gender and other personal preferences. In many cases, hip pain due to arthritic changes are well managed by exercise therapy, however surgery is an option in progressed hip arthritis when the pain severely affects mobility and quality of life. Research shows that with proper strengthening and lifestyle changes, many people can avoid surgery or minimize the impact on their lives.
- Targeted exercise to build more strength in joints and muscles
- Anti inflammatory medications
- Numerous injections to reduce the inflammation of the joint
- There are new categories of drugs that respond well to different types of arthritis
- Pain management training
- Mobility aiding devices such as walkers and canes
- Losing weight if necessary
- Educational training on how to reduce the stress exerted on the joints
- Hip replacement surgeries
- Osteotomy surgery
- Acupuncture
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
Should you worry if you have been diagnosed with arthritis?
No, you should not worry, instead you need to take control. Even though there is no cure, treatment can substantially help with the pain and reduce inflammation. However the longer you wait in seeking treatment, the more difficult your treatment will be. If you have been diagnosed with arthritis then you should seek professional help such as physiotherapy and exercise programs such as GLA:D as soon as possible.
We would recommend contacting your local physiotherapist and starting your treatment immediately. What you have to realize is that some days will be bad while others will be worse, but staying positive is the only way your arthritis will not get in the way of you living a fulfilling life. So contact your physiotherapist and start your treatment, remember you are not alone and this is a condition that can be managed well.
