Hip pain: what does it mean?

 

Do you struggle to bend over to tie your shoelaces, climbing stairs becomes an effort, and morning stiffness becomes a daily occurrence? These often trivialized signs may actually indicate hip wear, which is much more common than you might think. Long confined to the elderly, it now affects more and more active adults aged 35-40. Acting early means living longer.
What exactly is a worn hip?

A “worn” hip corresponds to deterioration of the articular cartilage, the protective tissue that prevents bones from rubbing against each other. When this cartilage weakens or disappears, the friction causes pain, stiffness, and sometimes inflammation: this is hip osteoarthritis (or coxarthrosis).

The main causes?
A set of factors, often combined:

Continued on the next page

Genetic predisposition: some families are more affected.
Excess weight: every extra kilo increases the load on the joint.
Physical occupations or repetitive sports: heavy work or repetitive movements promote wear and tear.
History of injuries (fractures, dislocations) or joint diseases such as polyarthritis.
Signs to watch out for

Morning stiffness that improves with movement.
Hip pain when walking, climbing stairs, or standing up.
Difficulty putting on shoes or bending over.
Sensation of rubbing or cracking in the joint.
Pain radiating to the groin, thigh, or knee.
Muscle fatigue, difficulty balancing, nighttime pain, or a feeling of warmth in the hip.
Good news: you can live with a worn-out hip.
Continued on the next page
There’s no need to wait until you’re in severe pain to take action. Early diagnosis can slow the progression of wear and tear and improve quality of life.

Here are some recommended solutions:
Relieve the pain
Paracetamol or anti-inflammatories occasionally, always under the advice of a healthcare professional.

Move… but gently
Recommended activities: swimming, cycling, regular walking on level ground.

Physiotherapy sessions help strengthen the muscles around the hip and maintain good mobility.

Relieve pressure on the joint
Losing a few pounds is often enough to significantly reduce discomfort.

When pain becomes chronic…
continued on the next page
Surgery (hip replacement) may be considered. Today, it’s a common and well-controlled procedure: more than 90% of patients regain sustained mobility for 10 to 15 years.

Listen to your body, act immediately.
Ignoring the pain won’t make it go away. If you recognize these symptoms, or if a loved one complains of them, consulting a doctor is the first step toward a more comfortable daily life.

“A healthy hip means long-lasting freedom of movement.”

And you? Have you noticed these signs? Share your experience: it may help others avoid trivializing their pain.

Thank you to everyone who reads this.