The hip joint is one of the largest and most flexible joints in the human body. It supports the weight of the entire body while running, walking, and sitting. When the hip bones, joints, and supporting tissues are healthy, there is little that can go wrong with this very powerful joint. But injuries, disease, and age-related wear and tear can significantly impair hip function. Here are some tips to extend the life of your hips:
- Strengthen the supporting muscles: Low-impact exercises such as walking on a treadmill, using a stationary bike, hiking, and swimming are good exercises to support and stabilize your hip joint without aggravating your hip pain.
- Improve joint flexibility: Assuming the sitting position for many hours every day can result in stiff and tight hip flexors and an anterior pelvic tilt that increases wear and tear of the hip joint. Flexibility exercises such as hip flexor stretch and leg swings to the front and back can help increase hip mobility.
- Lose excess weight: Carrying excess weight on your frame speeds up cartilage degeneration in the weight-bearing joints such as the hips. If you have hip pain, avoiding high glycemic-index foods such as sugar and refined grains will help reduce weight and lower inflammation in arthritic joints.
- Avoid activities that increase hip pain: While it may be appropriate to push through the pain on some occasions, you should generally avoid any activities that cause hip pain such as high-impact sports or running. This will help prevent further damage to your hips, giving your body an opportunity to heal itself.
- Seek treatment for hip pain sooner rather than later: If your hip pain persists despite activity modification, consult an orthopedic specialist. Identifying the source of your hip pain at an early stage may allow treatment of the problem using nonsurgical or less-invasive treatments.
Contact our offices in Michigan for more information on hip injections, ortho-biologics, and minimally invasive cutting-edge treatment options to extend the life of your hips.
Dr. Frisch is a specialist orthopedic surgeon focusing on minimally invasive hip and knee joint replacement as well as regenerative treatments for enhanced healing. He believes in creating a very personalized experience with the highest level of service. For all appointments & inquiries, please contact our offices located in Rochester and River District, MI.
