Hello,
Thanks for writing to us

Other than hip replacement , osteotomy( cutting of bone) surgeries can be done to relieve the pressure over hip joint. Other than surgeries, conservative management in form of weight reduction, use of cane ,taking non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain management can be considered.

I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.

Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.

Conservative treatment is initially indicated for nearly all patients with hip arthritis, with surgery being reserved for those patients in whom conservative measures are no longer providing any symtom relief.

Nonsurgical management of Hip arthritis is as follows -

* ACTIVITY MODIFICATION - It is important to maintain as much activity and joint motion as possible without involving in impact activities like running and jumping which will often accelerate cartilage loss from the joint. The key is to focus on low impact activities, such as swimming or cycling. For patients
who do not have access to a pool or a stationary bicycle, leisurely walking will also maintain hip range of motion, strength, and function.

* CANES - are useful when arthritis affects only one side. It is important to use the cane in the opposite hand from the bad hip or knee. This allows you to lean away from the bad leg, taking weight off of it. It is also important to adjust the height of the cane so that the hand height rests comfortably along your side, preventing stooping or poor posture.

* WEIGHT LOSS - Significant weight loss for obese patients can make a dramatic difference. Weight loss is also important for increasing the life span of a joint replacement.

* HIP INJECTIONS - Injection therapies do not "cure" the underlying problems of arthritis, but can be useful for short term relief (potentially for a few months).Most often a mixture of a local anesthetic and steroid is injected. The anesthetic will often make the hip feel immediately better and for a few hours afterwards, and then the local anesthetic wears off. The steroid component often may take 5 to 7 days to fully take effect.

* NSAID's - remain the mainstay of preoperative management of arthritis pain and are usually most useful in the early years of developing arthritic pain. These include includes aspirin, ibuprofen, naprosyn, and other non-narcotic medications to decrease inflammation.

* GLUCOSAMINE & CHONDROITIN SULFATE supplementation - There is compelling evidence that it is relatively safe and works by decreasing inflammation in the joint, making at least some patients feel better. These have to be taken for atleast 8-10 weeks to see their therapeutic benefit.

Hope this information is helpful. Good day