Dr Burke
The Complete Guide to Hip Rheumatoid Arthritis
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we understand that many people in Pearland, Texas, and the surrounding areas may have questions about what to do for rheumatoid arthritis in the hip. Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful disorder that can interfere with everyday life. We want to provide some information to help you better understand rheumatoid arthritis and get on the track to managing it:
What can I do for rheumatoid arthritis in my hips?
Remember, rheumatoid arthritis usually attacks joints on both sides of the body. So, patients will need to treat their left and right hip when suffering from RA. Various forms of arthritis cause similar symptoms, but rheumatoid arthritis also causes patients to lose their appetite and feel extreme fatigue. Patients should try to get a full night of sleep and three meals each day, in addition to treating their hip pain. For rheumatoid arthritis in the hips, patients can try the following treatments at home:
- Stretching the hips when feeling stiff
- Resting the hips after physical activity
- Taking over the counter medications
- Sleeping on top of pillows so the hips are elevated
It is also important to understand that rheumatoid arthritis is an immune system disorder since the body attacks itself. Patients may be treating their hip pain, but the immune system needs its own form of treatment as well. An orthopedic specialist can properly diagnosis the patient with RA while treating any problems in the hips.
What if I need additional treatment for hip RA?
It can be difficult for patients to treat rheumatoid arthritis pain on their own. Yes, common home treatments do help with joint pain, but this pain may continue for months or years if there is no professional help. Besides exercising regularly and getting enough nutrients, patients will need extra help when treating the immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis hip treatments include various orthopedic services such as:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Partial hip replacement surgery
- Total hip replacement surgery
If the hips still have cushioning and support despite RA pain, anti-inflammatory prescriptions can save the joints. However, if the hips are suffering from chronic symptoms and the pain is disabling, joint replacement is a recommendation. Physicians fully evaluate the patient and their medical history before suggesting a treatment option.
How do I recover from hip rheumatoid arthritis?
Besides anti-inflammatory prescriptions, physical therapy can help the hips recover. Patients will have a smooth recovery if they practice special hip stretches and exercises as directed. Physical therapy is equally as important for post-surgery patients. With an artificial hip, patients will need time to adjust. Surgery with robotic assistance allows patients to quickly return to walking and moving freely. Orthopedic specialists will have state-of-the-art technology that guides them during partial or total joint replacement surgeries. So, patients will feel major pain relief from rheumatoid arthritis, but exercise will rebuild the strength within the new hip.
Rheumatoid Arthritis causes pain and difficulty moving around for many people, but there is hope to regain a pain-free life. If you are in the Pearland, Texas, area and suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. Burke Orthopedics can help. We offer state-of-the-art technology and expert care to help patients feel better and resume their everyday life. Give us a call at (713) 436-3488
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