Friday, January 3, 2014

Alternative Treatments Available for Hip Osteoarthritis

Alternative ways in treating hip pain besides undergoing a hip replacement operation are being sought after by patients, health surveys show, this may be a result of the increasing reports regarding the failure of hip devices. Hip osteoarthritis treatments may vary, according to the article from the Formulary, they may be pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic in nature. There is still no treatment for osteoarthritis, however, it remains to be the most common form of arthritis.


Medical studies are continuously being conducted by orthopedic experts to understand and prevent the progression of the disease. The goals of each treatment may vary and most of them work well together. Undergoing a surgical procedure to treat the hip pain may not be the first option for most patients. Patients who are looking for other alternatives have tried various treatments such as ice massage, herbal medications, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), acupuncture and supplements. These treatments also have different risks and benefits that have been determined through continuous research. If the problem is left untreated, the pain might worsen and the hip may incur more damages.


- Acupuncture – small and thin needles are inserted in various point in the body to illicit pain relief. This is an ancient Chinese practice that has spread in different parts of the world.

- TENS – an analgesic effect is created by the use of electrical current placed on the damaged area. An electroacupuncture treatment is also possible when the physical therapist stimulates nerves in different acupuncture points.

- Ice massage – the cold helps in decreasing the pain and swelling of the joints.

- Supplements – some nutritients may help in decreasing the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Several men and women have responded positively while using chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), cetylated fatty acids, and avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASUs).

- Herbal medications – these medications are made from natural herbs but there only a few are approved for use with significant data to back up their positive effects.


It is important to consult the attending physician first before using any of the abovementioned treatments as there might be some contraindications. Visit the DePuy Hip Recall News Center to know the benefits and risks of undergoing a hip implant operation.



URL References:
med.nyu.edu/content?ChunkIID=21505#ref204
umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/osteoarthritis
orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00404
formularyjournal.modernmedicine.com/formulary-journal/news/clinical/clinical-pharmacology/osteoarthritis-review-treatment-options

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