The thigh bone’s connected to the hip bone – that’s what the song says. But sometimes that connection doesn’t work so well, resulting in a hip joint that’s dislocated, partially dislocated or loose. These conditions, known as hip dysplasia, are the most common cause of hip arthritis in women under age 50. They account for as many as 10% of hip replacements in the U.S., says Charles T. Price, M.D., director of the International Hip Dysplasia Institute at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Fla. Doctors screen every baby for symptoms of hip dysplasia. When it’s caught early, it can be treated with braces, casts and sometimes surgery. But some forms of the condition can develop later in life. They may cause little or no pain for years, but – if untreated – eventually lead to osteoarthritis, deterioration of the joint, and the eventual need for total hip replacement surgery.
Consider using a cane (on the side opposite the sore hip) to support your body weight.Try nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen.Get physical therapy to increase flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support the hip.Sign up for a water exercise class. This is a great way to work out without putting any strain on your joints.Lose weight. Every 10 pounds you lose takes about 25 pounds of pressure off your hip.
