People often suffer from hip pain, which has a serious effect on their mobility and quality of life. It is more likely to develop as we age due to a number of reasons, including arthritis and joint degradation. It describes pain or discomfort felt in or near the joint. It can restrict daily activities and movement and range in intensity from slight discomfort to severe pain. Hip discomfort in elderly people is frequently due to age-related disorders that frequently affect the hip joint. Arthritis can lead the joints to become swollen and degenerate. The most common type is osteoarthritis. It develops as the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones degenerates over time.
An autoimmune condition called rheumatoid arthritis produces chronic inflammation in the joints, particularly the hip. It may also be impacted by gout and psoriatic arthritis, among other types of arthritis. Another important cause of hip discomfort in older is joint degeneration, which is the weakening of the joint structures. The cartilage, ligaments and supporting tissues of the hip joint may degrade with time.
There are multiple causes of hip pain in people, such as:
1. Arthritis: Due to joint inflammation, cartilage loss and bone-on-bone contact, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other types of arthritis can cause in the hip.
2. Joint degeneration: As the cartilage weakens, the ligaments degrade and the joint becomes less stable as a result of normal wear and tear.
3. Fractures: Hip fractures, which can be brought on by trauma, weakening bones (osteoporosis) or falls are more likely to occur in older people.
4. Avascular necrosis: Insufficient blood flow to the hip joint can result in the loss of bone tissue (avascular necrosis), which can cause joint rupture.
5. Sciatica: Compression or tension of the sciatic nerve, which travels from the lower back down to the legs, can result in numbness and tingling in the legs and hips.
6. Infection: Infection such as bacterial or viral infections can also be responsible.
Diagnosis of hip pain
Patients need an in-depth exam that includes a medical history, physical examination, and numerous diagnostic tests to identify the root cause. In order to create a successful treatment plan, a proper diagnosis is essential.
1. Checking joint strength, stability and range of motion is part of a physical exam that also looks for any indications of inflammation, defects or pain.
2. X-ray imaging helps in evaluating the structure of the hip joint by searching for indications of osteoarthritis, joint degeneration, fractures or anomalies in the bone.
3. MRI scans can also help provide detailed images of the soft tissues, including cartilage, tendons and ligaments.
4. Blood tests, such as those that look for markers of infection and those specific to particular forms of arthritis, can aid in the diagnosis of illnesses such as infections or rheumatoid arthritis.
Hip pain treatment
1. Exercise and Physical therapy: Physical therapy programs focusing on strengthening the hip muscles, improving flexibility and enhancing joint stability can provide pain relief and improve mobility.
2. Using devices like canes, walkers or crutches can reduce the strain on the hip joint and offer support when moving around or doing activities that require weight-bearing.
3. Ibuprofen and naproxen, two NSAIDs are efficient at reducing both pain and inflammation. The doctor should monitor and provide guidance during the use of NSAIDs because prolonged usage of these medications may have adverse effects on the gastrointestinal system.
4. Some people find relief through complementary and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care or massage. While the evidence for their effectiveness varies, they may be worth considering in consultation with a chiropractor.
Beyond medical interventions, adopting a healthy lifestyle and practicing self-care strategies can help individuals manage hip pain and improve their overall well-being. This may include maintaining a balanced diet to support joint health, engaging in regular exercise to strengthen surrounding muscles and employing pain management techniques like heat or cold therapy and gentle stretching exercises.
Surgery for hip pain
If all other treatments fail to provide sufficient relief, surgery may be recommended. Surgical procedures include hip arthroscopy, hip replacement (total or partial) or osteotomy (bone reshaping). These are typically reserved for more severe cases or when there is significant damage to the hip joint. Surgery aim to improve joint function, reduce pain and enhance overall mobility.
1. Hip replacement: The surgical treatment known as arthroplasty or total hip replacement, can be done to ease severe pain brought on by advanced arthritis or joint degradation. The damaged joint parts are removed and artificial ones composed of metal, ceramic or plastic are put in their place. For many elderly people, this surgery can reduce pain over the long term, improve joint function and enhance quality of life.
2. Joint preservation surgery: Joint preservation operations may be an option when hip joint degeneration is not severe enough to demand a total hip replacement. These operations aim to fix or restore damaged structures, preventing the need for a total joint replacement. Hip resurfacing, osteotomies (bone realignment) and labral repairs are a few instances of joint preservation treatment.
Why surgery may not be suitable for hip pain
While surgery can provide significant relief for many individuals, they may not be the best option for everyone. Here are some reasons:
1. The risks and possible issues associated with hip surgery include infection, blood clots, nerve damage and a protracted recovery period. It may result in additional issues or the requirement for later procedures.
2. The specific condition being treated, the patient’s general health and the surgeon’s competence and experience all have an impact on the success rate of surgery.
3. It limits mobility and interferes with daily tasks, requiring a lengthy rehabilitation period.
4. The cost of surgery and post-operative care might be a major consideration. Since each case is different, it is essential to speak with a doctor in order to choose the best course of action based on the patient’s specific facts and medical history.
Prolotherapy treatment for hip pain
Prolotherapy is a regenerative technique for the hip pain treatment. It involves the injection of a solution, typically a mixture of local anaesthetic and dextrose (sugar water), into the affected area. The damaged area, such as the hip’s ligaments, tendons or joint capsule, is then the site of a direct injection by a doctor of the solution. The solution is injected into the body, irritating the tissues and triggering the body’s natural healing process.
This process supports the development of new, stronger connective tissue, which can support and stabilise the hip joint. It can decrease the pain, relieve strain on the joint and eventually reduce discomfort by promoting tissue repair. Prolotherapy is often provided over the course of multiple sessions, each separated several weeks apart. The number of treatments necessary vary depending on how well a person responds to therapy.
EPAT therapy for hip pain
It is a non-invasive treatment and there are many benefits of this therapy:
1. EPAT therapy involves the use of a device that delivers acoustic shockwaves to the affected area of the hip. These shockwaves are generated externally and penetrate the tissues to stimulate the body’s natural healing process.
2. This therapy can help reduce pain by increasing blood flow, stimulating tissue regeneration and decreasing inflammation in the hip area location providing relief.
3. There is no need for needles or surgical incisions. As a result, those seeking surgical alternatives or those who might not be good candidates for invasive treatments choose it as a therapy choice.
4. Each session usually lasts between 10 to 15 minutes. It does not require anaesthesia, and patients can generally resume their daily activities immediately after the therapy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the probable causes of the pain, diagnosing the specific condition and implementing suitable strategy is essential for effectively managing hip pain and improving the daily lives of those affected.
By combining the advance techniques such as prolotherapy treatment and EPAT therapy, Dr Vikram Rajguru guides the patient with better treatment options providing them pain free lifestyle and improving the quality of life. His self-care practice often help individuals find relief from the utmost pain and regain their mobility, by providing attention throughout the treatment.