Pagets Disease Of Bone
Pagets disease affects the way bone develops and renews itself, causing it to become weaker. It usually affects the pelvis, causing it to grow out of shape. This can often lead to hip pain, but it is treatable with a group of drugs called bisphosphonates.
Bisphosphonates are drugs used to prevent the loss of bone mass and treat bone disorders such as osteoporosis and Pagets disease.
For more information see our sections on Pagets disease and bisphosphonates.
Strengthening The Muscles Around Your Hip Joint Is Key To Keeping Them Strong And Mobile With Age
Lets get this important misconception out of the way: Done correctly, working out is not going to exacerbate your hip pain or make your arthritis worse. But not exercising can make your arthritis worse, which is why doctors recommend exercises as an important part of your arthritis treatment plan, whether you have osteoarthritis or an autoimmune, inflammatory form such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis.
Heres whats happening in your hip when you have arthritis, and why exercising and moving more helps relieve pain and stiffness.
Where To Buy Lab Grade Products
There are a lot of extremely inferior products on the market. Still worse, many of the cheap herbal supplements found in Amazon.com and on the shelves of local drugstores are not inspected by third party regulators with FDA oversight. The majority are selling weakly concentrated ingredients, and there is growing concern that many products are testing in the danger zone for toxic chemicals and fillers.
Below are two companies that weve tested and found to produce lab grade turmeric and boswellia serrata. Their cost is higher due to the quality of ingredients and their strict self-imposed testing standards. Still, the cost is small compared to prices of pharmaceuticals.
Read Also: Does Fish Oil Help Arthritis In Dogs
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation uses a machine that sends electrical impulses through sticky patches, called electrodes, attached to the skin. This may help ease the pain caused by your osteoarthritis by numbing the nerve endings in your spinal cord which control pain.
Treatment with TENS is usually arranged by a physiotherapist or doctor, who can advise you on the strength of the pulses and how long your treatment should last.
Dont Miss: Is Eating Tomatoes Bad For Arthritis
Hip Exercise: Bodyweight Squat

Progression from the sit-and stand to help strengthen thighs and buttocks
- Stand with your feet shoulder-distance apart, or a little wider. If needed, hold on to something stable, like the back of sturdy chair or kitchen sink.
- Keep your chest lifted and shift your weight back into your heels while slowly pushing your hips back, as is you were sitting down into a chair.
- Keep your feet flat and lower yourself as far as youre comfortable .
- Push through your heels and bring your body back up to standing.
- Repeat the sequence 3 times gradually build up to more reps.
Tip: Keeping your feet a little wider than shoulder-distance apart is better for balance when you are struggling with hip pain, says Shroyer.
Don’t Miss: How To Deal With Arthritis In The Hands
Coping With Low Mood And Sleep Problems
You might find that osteoarthritis makes you feel depressed or anxious. Speak to your doctor if youre feeling low. They may be able to recommend psychological therapies to help you, such as cognitive behavioural therapy and a few stress-relieving techniques. If your sleep is disturbed because of hip osteoarthritis, this could make your pain feel worse. However, there are things you can do for yourself that might help, such as:
- Keep a sleep diary to work out if there are any patterns to your sleep problems.
- Sleep at regular times to get your body into a routine.
- Try to wind down before bed by having a warm bath or reading a book.
- For a more comfortable sleeping position, use a pillow between your legs if lying sideways, or use a pillow under your knees if lying on your back.
If youre still having problems, speak to your doctor or an occupational therapist. They can give you some tips and techniques. They may also refer you to a pain management clinic, where you can be shown how to live a more active life.
Are There Downsides To Cbd Treatment
As with any treatment, there can be downsides. CBD is generally considered safe however, it can still cause lightheadedness, sleepiness, dry mouth, and rarely, liver problems. There may be uncertainty about the potency or purity of CBD products , and CBD can interact with other medications. For pregnant women, concern has been raised about a possible link between inhaled cannabis and lower-birthweight babies its not clear if this applies to CBD. Some pain specialists have concerns that CBD may upset the bodys natural system of pain regulation, leading to tolerance , though the potential for addiction is generally considered to be low.
There is one definite downside: cost. Prices range widely but CBD products arent inexpensive, and depending on dose, frequency, and formulation, the cost can be considerable I found one brand that was $120/month, and health insurance does not usually cover it.
Read Also: How Do You Get Arthritis In The Neck
Conditions With Similar Symptoms
A number of conditions that are not actually related to the hip joint can cause hip joint pain and symptoms in the “hip” area. These include:
Spinal stenosis This condition most commonly causes pain in the buttock, low back, and back of the upper thigh . Spinal stenos is a lower-back problem, not a hip problem. Spinal stenosis causes pain in the buttock area that some identify as part of the “hip.”
Greater trochanteric bursitisThis causes pain over the point of the hip . It also causes tenderness and sensitivity to pressure. Although this seems like a hip problem, it is a problem well away from the joint itself and is related to an inflammation in a lubrication point called a bursa. Greater trochanteric bersitis is not a joint problem .
Non-orthopedic conditionsVery occasionally, non-orthopedic conditions can cause pain in the groin that masquerades as hip joint symptoms ovarian cysts, hernias, and other intra-pelvic conditions can sometimes cause pain that is mistaken for hip joint pain.
Other types of arthritisOther forms of arthritis can cause similar symptoms to osteoarthritis of the hip in particular, post-traumatic arthritis and avascular necrosis are almost indistinguishable in many cases from osteoarthritis of the hip.
The diagnosis of osteoarthritis versus rheumatoid arthritis can be made by a physician with experience in treating conditions of this type.
How Arthritis In The Hips Is Diagnosed
The diagnosis of arthritis in the hips begins with taking your medical history and doing a physical exam of your hip. The doctor will look at where youre in pain and how well you can move the hip . Dr. Vigdorchik says he watches patients walk to assess their gait. If theyre tilting their body over the hip that hurts, thats the bodys response to making it hurt less, he says.
Your doctor will ask questions that can help make sure your pain is indeed coming from the hip and not due to a different problem. Other conditions like a hernia or a pinched nerve in the back can mimic pain from arthritis in the hip.
X-rays of the hips and spine can determine if the joint has any abnormalities and assess where your pain is coming from. They can reveal such changes indicative of arthritis, including:
- Thinning or erosion in the bones
- Loss of joint space
- Excess fluid in the joint
You may need other imaging, such as an MRI or a CT scan, to get a clearer picture if an X-ray doesnt show enough, says Dr. Vigdorchik.
If your doctor suspects that inflammatory arthritis could be responsible for your hip pain, they will order additional blood tests to check for levels of inflammation and the presence of antibodies that may indicate autoimmune disease .
Read Also: Rheumatoid Factor 7.0
Read Also: How To Prevent Arthritis Flare Ups
Medications To Treat Hip Pain
What you need to know about the many medications used for hip arthritis and related problems.
Medications to ease pain and inflammation, slow bone loss, slow the disease progress or prevent joint damage are important in treating many hip problems. The types of medications commonly used in treating arthritis and related conditions affecting hips are:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Including more than a dozen different drugs, some of which are available without a prescription, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to help ease arthritis pain and inflammation. They are used for all forms of arthritis and other painful hip conditions. Most NSAIDs are taken orally, but topical preparations are available, such as Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel and Pennsaid.
Corticosteroids. These quick-acting drugs, similar to the cortisone produced naturally by the body, are used to control inflammation. If hip inflammation is due to a systemic autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or polymyalgia rheumatica, your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids. If inflammation is limited to your hip or an inflamed bursa, a corticosteroid injection directly into the inflamed joint or bursa might help.
Stay in the Know. Live in the Yes.
Get involved with the arthritis community. Tell us a little about yourself and, based on your interests, youll receive emails packed with the latest information and resources to live your best life and connect with others.
Managing Arthritis Pain And Fatigue
Several approaches can be used to manage the pain associated with osteoarthritis of the hip including:
- Activity modification appropriate kinds of exercise and weight loss when necessary may alleviate some hip arthritis symptoms
- Nutritional supplementation are helpful to some patients, although the literature on these supplements is not consistently in favor of their use
- Non-narcotic pain tablets , or over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, if medically appropriate, sometimes are helpful
- Prescription strength, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs are useful for some patients, though, in general, long-term use of these drugs is discouraged
- Arthritis unloader braces or hip sleeves are helpful for some patterns of arthritis
- Joint injections might help
- Total hip replacement surgery may be used if non-operative interventions dont suffice.
Recommended Reading: What Are The Signs Of Arthritis In The Knee
Glute Bridge With Resistance Band
The glute bridge is a fabulous way to strengthen your hip stabilizing muscles â specifically your glutes. Adding the resistance band creates more tension in your glutes throughout the movement.
How To Treat Hip Arthritis

ByGerry Restrivera | Submitted On April 18, 2009
Arthritis is a joint disease and it can affect any joint in the body like the hips. Aging is the biggest factor that affects the occurrence of this joint disease. Millions of people aged 65 and above are suffering from the pain of this hip joint problem. It could be a very disabling condition that could restrict you from certain hip movements and it is important to treat hip arthritis as early as possible. If this disease is left untreated, it could become a lifetime problem that could torment you forever.
Before finding the best way to treat hip arthritis you have to get the proper diagnosis. There are many causes of arthritis and getting the correct diagnosis is the first step in finding the best treatment that will work for you. In most cases arthritis of the hips is caused by the grinding of hip bones due to the loss of cartilage between the joints. Wear and tear or aging is the most common reason. Arthritis may get worse over time so it is critical to seek treatment as early as possible.
There are different methods to treat hip arthritis and it is important to know the best treatment that will work for you. Here are the two common treatments:
Surgical treatment. Surgery maybe recommended by your doctor in severe cases of hip joint problem. Surgical treatments include Osteotomy and Total Hip Arthroplasty . Surgery is not for everybody, careful planning and diagnosis must be made before subjecting yourself under the knife.
Recommended Reading: Is Red Meat Bad For Arthritis
What Are The Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis Of The Spine
Osteoarthritis of the spine may cause stiffness or pain in the neck or back. It may also cause weakness or numbness in the legs or arms if it is severe enough to affect spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself. Usually, the back discomfort is relieved when the person is lying down.
Some people experience little interference with the activities of their lives. Others become more severely disabled.
In addition to the physical effects, a person with osteoarthritis might also experience social and emotional problems. For instance, a person with osteoarthritis that hinders daily activities and job performance might feel depressed or helpless.
Stretches the back of your thigh and behind your knee
- Lie on the floor with both knees bent.
- Lift one leg off of the floor and bring the knee toward your chest. Clasp your hands behind your thigh below your knee.
- Straighten your leg and then pull it gently toward your head until you feel a stretch.
- Hold for 30 seconds and then relax for 30 seconds.
- Repeat on the other side then repeat the entire sequence four times.
Tip: Dont pull at your knee joint.
Read Also: Is Vicks Vaporub Good For Arthritis
Who Gets Osteoarthritis Of The Spine
In general, osteoarthritis happens as people get older. Younger people may get it from one of several different causes:
- injury or trauma to a joint
- a genetic defect involving cartilage
For people younger than age 45, osteoarthritis is more common among men. After age 45, osteoarthritis is more common among women. Osteoarthritis occurs more often among people who are overweight. It also occurs more frequently in those who have jobs or do sports that put repetitive stress on certain joints.
You May Like: Is Grapefruit Good For Arthritis
You May Like: What To Give Dogs With Arthritis In Hips
Use Natural Forms Of Pain Relief
Some doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen, to relieve pain and inflammation. Although they can be effective, they may also have serious side effects. For example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can irritate the lining of your stomach and cause bleeding.
Instead, use natural approaches to reduce pain and inflammation. For example, choose more anti-inflammatory foods like nuts, fatty fish, fruits, and vegetables, and limit refined carbohydrates and ultra-processed foods that can fuel inflammation. These are components of the Mediterranean diet.
According to Dr. Fred Tabung, at T.H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University, most chronic pain is associated with inflammation and an anti-inflammatory diet, like the Mediterranean approach to eating, helps reduce inflammation.
What Is Hip Resurfacing
Hip resurfacing is a surgical option that can provide relief while delaying hip replacement surgery. In hip resurfacing, the diseased hip joint surfaces are removed surgically and substituted with metal. However, the entire femur bone is preserved. That makes future hip replacement surgeries possible. Rather than removing the ball of the hip socket, the surgeon covers it with a metal cap.
Read Also: What Can Help Prevent Arthritis
Maintaining A Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese can make symptoms of hip arthritis worse. This is because extra weight places more strain on your hips. Body fat also promotes the increased production of C-reactive protein, which contributes to widespread inflammation.
The dietary choices that you make can significantly influence how effectively you manage both your weight and your symptoms.
Ways To Ease Hip Arthritis
Arthritis of the hip, as with any other part of the body, is notorious for causing significant movement restriction and quality-of-life issues. Thankfully, despite its incurable and progressive nature, there are a range of self-care measures and treatments available that can help to ease its symptoms.
Below are five ways you can effectively manage the symptoms of hip arthritis and keep them from interfering with your quality of life.
Read Also: What To Do For Arthritis In Hip
The Best Exercises For Hip Arthritis
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , arthritis affects 54 million Americans, up to 24 million of whom experience limited mobility and discomfort. If you are one of these people, the idea of doing physical activities may seem counterintuitive, especially when you have hip arthritis and youre in pain. However, did you know that a lack of exercise can actually exacerbate your condition?
Although it may seem painful and uncomfortable, exercise can provide you with relief in the long run. Regular exercise can help strengthen your muscles and make your hip joint more stable, which is why orthopedic specialists recommend it as a crucial part of hip arthritis treatment.
Here are the best exercises for hip arthritis that you should discuss with your bone and joint specialist. Make sure to start with very little intensity and increase it slowly.
Basics Of Hip Arthritis

Many kinds of arthritis can affect the hip joint. The most common type of hip arthritis is osteoarthritis, which some people call degenerative joint disease.
Osteoarthritis occurs when the joint surface cartilage becomes worn away leaving the raw bone beneath exposed. The cartilage normally serves as a pad or a bearing in the joint. Under normal conditions, the cartilage bearing is slicker than a hockey puck on ice. When the bearing wears away, the result is a roughed joint surface that causes the pain and stiffness that people associate with osteoarthritis .
Osteoarthritis of the hip is a serious condition. Osteoarthritis is the most common of the more than 100 kinds of arthritis and the hip joint is the second most commonly affected large joint in the body.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that can takes months to years to appear. While it is not curable, it most certainly is treatable using activity modifications, medications, and/or injections. If those interventions dont work, hip replacement surgery often will relieve the pain associated with hip arthritis.
Osteoarthritis of the hip results in pain, stiffness, and joint deformity. The symptoms of osteoarthritis can affect ones ability to walk, work, and enjoy life.
For most patients who have mild arthritis, pain can be managed with ice, rest, activity modifications, pills, or joint injections.
You May Like: How To Cure Arthritis At Home