Osteoarthritis is one of the most common ailments that people develop after the age of 50. But it can also strike people earlier in life if they have experienced significant wear and tear on their joints.
Hips are among the joints that suffer most from stress and damage and may be susceptible to osteoarthritis. In severe cases, people often require hip replacement surgeries to remove damaged cartilage and bone and replace them with metal, plastic or ceramic hip joints. The new hip restores body alignment and smooth function of the joint.
An estimated 27 million American adults suffer from osteoarthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although age and family history are the prevalent reasons why this type of arthritis afflicts so many people, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends steps that people can take to slow the progression of the condition.
The AAOS suggests that people allow their hips to rest and not to overuse joints that are sore. Activities such as swimming, cycling and water aerobics provide physical therapy that people can practice on their own to maintain joint function and motion.
In addition, medical providers say getting a good night’s sleep helps rest the joints. If osteoarthritis worsens, using a cane or other support can ease strain as well. As one of the body’s largest weight-bearing joints, the hips suffer most in people who are significantly overweight.
To reduce stress on the joints, losing extra pounds can be accomplised with a low-calorie diet and dietary supplements such as Skinny D from Dr. Newton’s Naturals, which allows individuals to replace one meal a day with a nutrient-filled concentrate. Clinically tested to reduce weight, it adds a mere 10 calories per serving to a person’s daily calorie count.