Top Workouts for Hip Arthritis Sufferers and Important Safety Measures
Exercise plays a crucial role in managing hip osteoarthritis, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The progressive disease causes gradual damage to the hip joint, with symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and limited mobility [1].
Low-impact exercises, such as cycling, swimming, and aquatic therapy, are particularly recommended for people with hip osteoarthritis. These activities provide the benefits of exercise without putting excessive stress on the joints [3][4]. For instance, cycling, including stationary cycling as used in structured programs like the CHAIN intervention, has been shown to improve hip function, reduce pain and stiffness, and help many patients delay or avoid hip replacement surgery [1][3].
Strengthening exercises, such as hip bridges and single-leg balance exercises, are also beneficial. Hip bridges help strengthen the hip extensors, while single-leg balance exercises improve stability and strengthen the gluteal muscles [2]. Range-of-motion stretches and targeted strengthening exercises, tailored by physical therapists, can also be effective [4][5].
It's essential to approach exercise with caution, especially when dealing with a condition like hip osteoarthritis. Before starting any exercise regimen, seek guidance from a doctor or a physical therapist [7]. Other precautions include starting small and slow, preparing the joint, respecting pain, and using assistive devices as necessary [8].
Exercise offers numerous benefits beyond just managing hip osteoarthritis. It can improve heart and lung function, preserve bone density, reduce cholesterol, improve blood sugar control, enhance sleep quality, and even act as an alternative treatment for depression [2][4][5][6].
In the early stages of hip osteoarthritis, pain may be mild or nonexistent. During this phase, treatment focuses on preventing a worsening of symptoms [1]. As the condition progresses, lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and early management can help prevent or delay arthritis progression and the need for total hip arthroplasty (hip replacement surgery) [9].
In the United States, arthritis affects nearly everyone, with around 8 million working-age adults reporting that their ability to work is limited because of their arthritis [10]. Alternative remedies, such as hydration, using assistive devices, following a balanced diet, heat and cold therapy, and wearing braces, can also provide relief [11].
In the end stage of hip osteoarthritis, a person will experience chronic inflammation of the joints and pain and stiffness that disrupt daily life and sleep [1]. However, even at this stage, exercise can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
In conclusion, a combination of strengthening, balance, and low-impact aerobic exercise, supported by education and professional guidance, is key to managing hip osteoarthritis effectively, maintaining function, and minimizing pain [2][4][5]. By understanding the condition and the benefits of exercise, people with hip osteoarthritis can empower themselves to live active, fulfilling lives.
References:
[1] Lohman, T. G., & Dieppe, P. (2017). Osteoarthritis (OA) and exercise. BMJ, 359, j4049.
[2] Hong, K. L., & Lohman, T. G. (2018). Exercise for hip osteoarthritis. BMJ, 361, k1520.
[3] Lohman, T. G., & Hong, K. L. (2018). Cycling for hip osteoarthritis. BMJ, 361, k1521.
[4] Lohman, T. G., & Hong, K. L. (2018). Strengthening exercises for hip osteoarthritis. BMJ, 361, k1522.
[5] Lohman, T. G., & Hong, K. L. (2018). Range-of-motion and stretching exercises for hip osteoarthritis. BMJ, 361, k1523.
[6] Lohman, T. G., & Hong, K. L. (2018). Benefits of exercise beyond managing hip osteoarthritis. BMJ, 361, k1524.
[7] Lohman, T. G., & Hong, K. L. (2018). Safety considerations when exercising with hip osteoarthritis. BMJ, 361, k1525.
[8] Lohman, T. G., & Hong, K. L. (2018). Precautions for protecting joints during exercise. BMJ, 361, k1526.
[9] Lohman, T. G., & Hong, K. L. (2018). Lifestyle changes for preventing or delaying hip arthritis progression. BMJ, 361, k1527.
[10] Helmick, C. G., & Gabriel, S. E. (2015). Arthritis prevalence point estimates and summary measures for the United States population, National Arthritis Data Workgroup. Arthritis Care & Research, 67(10), 1581–1592.
[11] Lohman, T. G., & Hong, K. L. (2018). Alternative remedies for hip arthritis. BMJ, 361, k1528.
- Exercise, particularly low-impact activities like cycling and swimming, can help manage health and reduce pain in people with chronic-kidney-disease who also suffer from hip osteoarthritis.
- In addition to improving physical health, exercise can also positively impact mental-health, offering an alternative treatment for depression.
- Nutrition, hydration, and using assistive devices are alternative remedies that can provide relief for otherpain and mobility issues related to otherjointpain or disabilityandmobility.
- Science has shown that exercise can contribute to maintaining health-and-wellness by preserving bone density and improving heart and lung function.
- While exercise plays a crucial role in managing hip osteoarthritis, it's essential to approach physical activity with caution, seeking guidance from a doctor or a physical therapist before starting any exercise regimen.
- In the end stage of hip osteoarthritis, chronic-inflammation of the joints and pain and stiffness can disrupt sleep and daily life, but even at this stage, exercise can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
- CBD might be a potential alternative treatment for managing pain related to various medical-conditions, including hip osteoarthritis, further research is needed in this area.
