So many people experience pain in their hip for several reasons. One of the most obvious reasons refers to pain that rises from the back. Osteoarthritis of the hip is a joint problem that affects older people mainly. A common disease that affects the hip joint, about 25% of women and 15% men say that they experience the symptoms when they cross sixty years.
Sometimes, previous trauma like a fracture, disease of a joint, or dislocations are often the causes of osteoarthritis. You are likely to get it if you are obese, or if you have a family history of the disease, as this will end up exerting more stress on your hips. However, you may get this problem even if you do not have any of the risk factors. Chiropractic pain management in such cases can help you get relief from hip pain, and most specialists recommend that you consult experienced practitioners in your area.
The Symptoms of Osteoarthritis of the Hip
The symptoms of osteoarthritis often vary. One of the very first signs of the condition includes stiffness and discomfort in your groin, thigh, or buttocks when you wake in the morning. Usually, there is a gradual increase in pain over the side of the hip into the groin, and the pain goes down the front side of the thigh, and proceeds further into the knee joint. Pain over the knee often is the main symptom that represents the hip problem, and hence most people end up overlooking it.
According to experts at top chiropractic centers like Kroll Care, “The pain becomes worse with activity, especially if you lift heavy objects, or engage in activity like walking. It can also become worse with the cold weather.”
In addition, loss of mobility, and muscle strength are common, resulting in difficulty in walking and running. Another common thing is to see a flexion fixture of the hip, which results in the typical limp with the affected person not being able to extend their hip or thigh back. The foot then tends to turn outwards due to the restricted movement of the hip. When cycling, the knee and thigh end up turning out. The pain becomes so intense that it gets more difficult to squat down and wear shoes or put on socks.
Often rest helps to relieve the pain, but always. It also depends on the inflammation level and the damage to the joint. At such times, using a stick for support will help you walk with ease.
The Chiropractic Examination for the Condition
When it comes to osteoarthritis of the hip, there is little evidence that shows structural changes of osteoarthritis treatment reversing or changing, but there are some cases. Chiropractic treatment helps to avoid unnecessary disability, pain, and slow progression of the problem. Hence, it delays the need for surgery and even the chances of needing it.
During the examination, chiropractors check the hip joint, and it is important to include a complete examination of the knee, back, foot, and ankle, since all these can influence the hip problem and lead to chronic pain. Even though thorough physical examination helps to detect the problem, a thorough an x-ray scan is necessary when it comes to confirming the diagnosis.
The findings from the X-ray also help to give a clearer picture of the severity of the problem. This helps the chiropractor to give an accurate diagnosis, helps them select the appropriate treatment and rule out the other possible causes.
Chiropractic Care for Hip Osteoarthritis
The aim of the chiropractic treatment includes:
- Reducing inflammation and improving the movement of the joint
- Relaxed painful muscle spasms
- Strengthens weakened muscles
- Provides nutritional, lifestyle and exercise advise
The chiropractic treatment for osteoarthritis of the hip involves massage and stretching techniques to tender and tight muscles, as well as gentle mobilization techniques of the affected joints, the use of interferential modalities or use of ultrasound. Based on your personal need and the level of your fitness, chiropractors would also guide you. Note that supervised exercise programs are always more effective compared to unsupervised ones.
Proper nutritional support and a healthy lifestyle are also important to ensure you remain healthy and feel fit at all times. It is more important that your body should heal from any injury. Your chiropractor can also guide you on some of the medications you can depend on, and the most effective ones.
You should know that chiropractic treatment helps to delay the need for any surgery, and if you receive earlier treatment, the more you should benefit. However, if you do need surgery, then you need to consult chiropractors for rehabilitation post operation, which is important to strengthen your muscles, maintain flexibility, and restore motion of the joints.