Arthritis can develop not only in the knees but also unexpectedly in 'this place'... How to prevent it?

Generally, when we hear the term 'arthritis,' we tend to think of knee arthritis. However, arthritis can occur in any joint in the body. Although it is less common than knee arthritis, there are cases where arthritis develops in the hip joint. We looked into hip arthritis.

The hip joint is a joint in the pelvic area that connects the pelvis and the thigh bones. Although its range of motion is narrower than that of the shoulder, it is a crucial joint involved in leg movements, including the thighs and calves, playing a very important role in walking. Hip arthritis can occur due to various causes. For example, pressure on the hip joint caused by obesity can easily lead to arthritis. Degenerative hip arthritis may also develop with age without any specific reason, as the joints deteriorate. Additionally, poor posture or a sedentary lifestyle can damage surrounding tissues, including the hip joint, leading to hip arthritis.

When osteoarthritis of the hip develops, pain is felt in the hip area and limping may occur when walking. In the morning, there may be a stiff and uncomfortable sensation in the hips, groin, or thigh. In the early stages, these symptoms appear but tend to improve with rest, making it easy to neglect. However, if hip osteoarthritis is left untreated, inflammation can worsen or the hip joint may become contracted. In severe cases, the cartilage can be completely worn away, causing the bones to come into direct contact. This also restricts movements such as rotation and flexion of the hip joint.

Hip arthritis is treated similarly to arthritis in other joints. In the early stages, excessive use of the hip should be avoided, and medications such as anti-inflammatory painkillers or physical therapy are administered. For obese patients, weight loss is necessary to maintain joint function. Exercises like indoor cycling or swimming that help build muscle strength are beneficial. If pain persists, surgical treatment may be considered. Surgery involves removing and fixing damaged cartilage and bone tissue. However, if the damage is severe, artificial joint surgery may be required.

To prevent hip arthritis, it is first necessary to control weight to avoid obesity. Maintaining joint range of motion and strengthening muscles through appropriate exercise is also helpful. Repeating excessive movements or maintaining incorrect posture can lead to degenerative changes, so these should be avoided. Managing dietary habits is also important. Eating salty foods or consuming large amounts of caffeine can lead to calcium loss, so caution is advised. It is also beneficial to consume a balanced intake of nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K, which have a positive effect on bone density.