Physical Therapy in Venice for Hip

Welcome to FYZICAL Venice's patient resource about Osteoarthritis of the Hip.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common problem for many people after middle age. OA is sometimes referred to as degenerative, or wear-and-tear, arthritis. OA commonly affects the hip joint. In the past, little was done for the condition. Now doctors have many ways to treat hip OA so patients have less pain, better movement, and improved quality of life.

This guide will help you understand:

• how OA develops in the hip
• how doctors diagnose the condition
• what can be done for your pain

Articular cartilage is the smooth lining that covers the surfaces of the ball-and-socket joint of the hip. The cartilage gives the joint freedom of movement by decreasing friction. The layer of bone just below the articular cartilage is called subchondral bone. The main problem in OA is degeneration of the articular cartilage.

When the articular cartilage degenerates, or wears away, the subchondral bone is uncovered and rubs against bone. Small outgrowths called bone spurs or osteophytes may form in the joint.

Related Document: FYZICAL Venices Guide to Hip Anatomy

OA of the hip can be caused by a hip injury earlier in life. Changes in the movement and alignment of the hip eventually lead to wear and tear on the joint surfaces. The alignment of the hip can be altered from a fracture in the bones around or inside the hip. If the fracture changes the alignment of the hip, this can lead to excessive wear and tear, just like the out-of-balance tire that wears out too soon on your car. Cartilage injuries, infection, or bleeding within the joint can also damage the joint surface of the hip.

Not all cases of OA are related to alignment problems or a prior injury, however. Scientists believe genetics makes some people prone to developing OA in the hip.

Scientists also believe that problems in the subchondral bone may trigger changes in the articular cartilage. As mentioned, the subchondral bone is the layer of bone just beneath the articular cartilage. Normally, the articular cartilage protects the subchondral bone. But some medical conditions can make the subchondral bone too hard or too soft, changing how the cartilage normally cushions and absorbs shock in the joint.

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is another cause of degeneration of the hip joint. In this condition, the femoral head (the ball portion of the hip) loses a portion of its blood supply and actually dies. This leads to collapse of the femoral head and degeneration of the joint. AVN has been linked to alcoholism, fractures and dislocations of the hip, and long-term cortisone treatment for other diseases.

Related Document: FYZICAL Venice's Guide to Avascular Necrosis of the Hip

The symptoms of hip OA usually begin as pain while putting weight on the affected hip. You may limp, which is the body's way of reducing the amount of force that the hip has to deal with. The changes that happen with OA cause the affected hip to feel stiff and tight due to a loss in its range of motion. Bone spurs will usually develop, which can also limit how far the hip can move. Finally, as the condition becomes worse, pain may be present all the time and may even keep you awake at night.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of hip OA starts with a complete history and physical examination by your doctor. X-rays will be required to determine the extent of the cartilage damage and suggest a possible cause for it.

Other tests may be required if there is reason to believe that other conditions are contributing to the degenerative process. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be necessary to determine whether your hip condition is from problems with AVN.

Blood tests may be required to rule out systemic arthritis or infection in the hip.

When you visit FYZICAL Venice, diagnosis of hip OA starts with a complete history and physical examination by one of our therapists.

Some patients may be referred to a doctor for further diagnosis. Once your diagnostic examination is complete, the Physical Therapists in Venice have treatment options that will help speed your recovery, so that you can more quickly return to your active lifestyle.

Non-surgical Rehabilitation

OA can't be cured, but Physical Therapy is available to ease symptoms and to slow down the degeneration of the joint. Nonsurgical rehabilitation of hip OA is used to maximize the health of your hip and to prolong the time before any type of surgery is necessary. Recent information shows that your condition may be maintained and in some cases improved.

Physical Therapy plays a critical role in the nonsurgical treatment of hip OA. At FYZICAL Venice, our primary goal is to help you learn how to control symptoms and maximize the health of your hip. Our Physical Therapist will recommend ways to calm pain and symptoms, which might include the use of rest, heat, or topical rubs.

We may have you use a cane or walker to ease pressure when walking. Our Physical Therapist will use range-of-motion and stretching exercises to improve your hip motion. You will be shown strengthening exercises for the hip to steady the joint and protect it from shock and stress. Our therapist can suggest tips for getting your tasks done with less strain on the joint.

Although the time required for recovery is different for every patient, you will probably progress to a home program within two to four weeks.

In cases of advanced OA where surgery is called for, you may see our Physical Therapist before surgery to discuss exercises, special precautions to be followed just after surgery, and to practice walking with crutches or a walker

Post-surgical Rehabilitation

When you begin your FYZICAL Venice post-surgical rehabilitation, our Physical Therapist will develop a personalized program of exercises to improve your muscle tone and strength in your hip and thigh muscles and to help prevent the formation of blood clots. Our Physical Therapist will also make recommendations about your safety, review special hip precautions and make sure you are placing a safe amount of weight on your foot when standing or walking.

Related Document: FYZICAL Venice's Guide to Artificial Hip Dislocation Precautions

A few additional visits to our outpatient Physical Therapy facility may be needed for patients who continue having problems walking or who need to get back to physically heavy work or activities.

Our goal is to help you maximize hip strength, restore a normal walking pattern, and do your activities without risking further injury to your hip. When your recovery is well under way, your regular visits to FYZICAL Venice will end. Although we will continue to be a resource, you will be in charge of doing your exercises as part of an ongoing home program.

FYZICAL Venice provides services for Physical Therapy in Venice.