By Robert Klapper and Lynda Huey
Hip pain can strike at any age – from fire fighters and stunt men and women in their 40s, to every day runners and tennis players, to less active people in their 50s, 60s, 70s and upward. Maybe you came home from a hike and suddenly discover a deep ache in your hip. Or maybe your hip has been bothering you off and on for weeks. Pain might be keeping you awake at night or perhaps you’re starting to limp. You want relief!
You want to find things you can do that will let you fight back against Father Time. Even if you’re not feeling that old yet, your hips might need you to make that effort starting now.
Reduce High-Impact Activities
Here’s something you can do right away: modify your sports and fitness routine. Use water workouts, bicycling, and elliptical training as your daily fitness work and save any high-impact sport you can’t bear to give up for soul-satisfying special occasions.
Strengthen the Muscles Around Your Hip
The gluteal muscles of your buttocks are the key to having a strong, well-functioning hip. Strong gluteal muscles can keep you walking without swaying or limping. Get a program of key exercises from a trainer, physical therapist, or the book Heal Your Hips and do them every day.
Increase Your Hip Flexibility by Stretching
Stretch the muscles at the front, the side, and the back of your hips. Do your stretches every day, even if it feels like you have little flexibility. Doing small steps consistency leads to progress. Flexibility leads to improved mobility in daily life.
Lose Weight
If you are overweight, your weight-bearing hips pay a heavy price in increased wear and tear on the precious cartilage inside. Osteoarthritis is the loss of cartilage inside a joint – why contribute to its deterioration?
Start AgeProofing your hips now and start feeling better every day.
Orthopedic Surgeon Robert Klapper, MD, is a leader in joint replacement at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He is the host of ESPN radio’s “Weekend Warrior” show and a sports medicine expert on Fox Sport 1 TV. He has written three books with Lynda Huey.
Water Rehab Specialist, Lynda Huey, MS, has written six books on aquatic exercise and rehabilitation, which are considered the foundation of aquatic therapy world-wide. Lynda is President of CompletePT Pool & Land Physical Therapy in Los Angeles.