Osteoarthritis Management: 5 Ways to Reduce Hip Pain

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of hip pain, with about 25% of people developing it before the age of 85. The condition, which occurs when cartilage wears down over time, causing the bones to rub against each other, isn’t life-threatening. Still, it can make daily activities, such as walking, exercising, and sleeping, painful. 

Many patients assume that surgery is the only way to ease arthritis-related hip pain, but that often isn’t the case. Small lifestyle changes can help ease symptoms and help you move more comfortably.

At Twin Creeks Orthopedics and Regenerative Clinic, our expert team specializes in treating osteoarthritis-related hip pain. Read on to discover their five top tips for keeping symptoms at bay.

1. Stay active with regular exercise

If your hips feel stiff and painful, exercising may seem counterintuitive. However, movement truly is medicine when it comes to managing OA. Routine physical activity, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, helps lubricate joints by increasing synovial fluid production. It also strengthens the surrounding muscles so they can better support your hip bones and eases inflammation by increasing circulation to the area.

Aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise on at least five days a week, broken into shorter sessions if needed. Don’t worry about intensity as much as consistency, and if a specific movement causes you pain, stop immediately. Listen to your body rather than pushing through it.

2. Maintain a healthy weight

Losing weight can be challenging, but it’s one of the best ways to reduce OA-related hip pain. Every extra pound you carry adds stress to your joints, increasing the risk of wear-and-tear and pain.

We recommend working with a qualified medical specialist, such as a registered dietitian or other licensed nutrition professional. These experts can teach you how to implement healthy diet changes and make it easier to maintain them over time. Losing just five or 10 pounds can make a significant difference in your pain levels and quality of life.

3. Use heat and cold therapy

You know that using ice and heat is an effective way to recover after a musculoskeletal injury, but it can also make hip osteoarthritis easier to manage.

To ensure the best results, use heat therapy before any type of movement. For instance, if you’re preparing to walk the dog, apply a heating pad or hot water bottle to your hip for about 15 minutes before heading out. This helps the muscles around the hips relax, reducing stiffness.

Cold therapy is better after movement. If your hips feel especially sore after a long day on your feet, apply an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Because heating and cooling components can cause burns or skin irritation, take the proper safety precautions. Never apply heating pads or ice packs directly against your skin. 

4. Improve strength and flexibility

Weak or tight muscles often make OA-related hip pain even worse. That’s because without the proper joint support, flare-ups feel more intense. 

Strengthening exercises and targeted stretches can help ease stiffness and discomfort. Our experienced physical therapists can develop a custom care plan tailored to your symptoms and health history. The goal is to improve your range of motion and reduce stiffness so that you can move comfortably. 

5. Consider regenerative medicine

Regenerative medicine uses natural compounds or growth factors, such as platelets, exosomes, or stem cells, to promote your body’s healing process. It’s a minimally invasive alternative to hip surgery that may help reduce pain and improve function. 

Although treatment varies depending on the approach, many regenerative medicine techniques involve targeted injections of these growth factors. When these substances are directed toward the hips, they increase circulation, reduce inflammation, and support tissue healing and joint function. Results vary, so it’s important to discuss your options with our qualified team before treatment.

We can make it easier to manage hip osteoarthritis

If you’re struggling to manage osteoarthritis-related hip pain, a combination of physical therapy and regenerative medicine can help ease symptoms and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help relieve joint pain and stiffness. Call (469) 342-3383 or book online.