DesertBlossom Posted October 12, 2019 Share Posted October 12, 2019 My mom had hip replacement surgery at age 57 or so. Both of my sisters, who are about 50 years old are beginning to have hip problems. One walks with a noticeable limp. I spent the last week sleeping in an RV and hiking around National Parks, and after a couple miles of easy hiking my hips would start to ache. I am afraid that hip problems are in my future. If I did get dealt the "defective hips" card, is there anything I can do to prevent things from getting worse? Or at least postponing the problems? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted October 12, 2019 Share Posted October 12, 2019 I think there’s a difference between fighting erosive inflammatory arthritis in the hip (which may mean taking disease modifying drugs) and just dealing with wear and tear stuff. Body mechanics matter—proper weight, proper gait, proper shoes, proper lifting, proper nutrition...I would address these things now if you need to. Talk with your family about what their actual issues are. It might give you insight. You also might consider some baseline imaging. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted October 12, 2019 Share Posted October 12, 2019 I wanted to come back and add...really look into joint protective exercising. I will never jog on a hard (concrete, asphalt) surface. I choose yoga, swimming and walking over high impact exercise. I do strength training but I don’t do squats or a few other common exercises because my PT has forbidden me given my specific issues. If you have decent health insurance and you want to be proactive, in addition to everything else you may want to consult with physical therapy. Most doctors really don’t know enough to be helpful (ie trust only orthopedists and PT). If someone is telling you to rest, walk, and take ibuprofen long term—run far away. I hear that often and it’s bad advice. PT was really helpful in helping me figure out how to build my core and use my muscles to protect joints where my cartilage and tendons were not optimal. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted October 12, 2019 Share Posted October 12, 2019 (edited) According to my physio, exercise and appropriate weight are key to joint preservation. He says that even if you do need surgery, if you are strong and slim, you have much better chances of good recovery. Edited October 12, 2019 by Laura Corin 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted October 12, 2019 Share Posted October 12, 2019 (edited) Just now, Laura Corin said: Dp Edited October 12, 2019 by Laura Corin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted October 12, 2019 Share Posted October 12, 2019 I do specific exercises to stabilize my hips. I have found the Katy Bowman blogs and books (recommended by someone on this forum) to be extremely helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted October 12, 2019 Share Posted October 12, 2019 Supposedly in cultures where people dance all those hip shaking dances, they don't have nearly as many issues as we tend to here, so I'm sure there's something you can do. But what you're talking about are some very young people needing hip surgery. It's genetics. You may not be able to avoid it. The good thing is that it keeps getting better. In the last ten years, I've know three people who had hip replacements and just in that time it got significantly easier from the first person to the most recent. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wintermom Posted October 12, 2019 Share Posted October 12, 2019 (edited) 8 minutes ago, Farrar said: Supposedly in cultures where people dance all those hip shaking dances, they don't have nearly as many issues as we tend to here, so I'm sure there's something you can do. But what you're talking about are some very young people needing hip surgery. It's genetics. You may not be able to avoid it. The good thing is that it keeps getting better. In the last ten years, I've know three people who had hip replacements and just in that time it got significantly easier from the first person to the most recent. I wonder if it's a combination of the hips being more flexible due to the dance movements as well as the body being typically lighter weight. My physiatrist (physical medical and rehabilitation specialist) dr recommends three-fold exercise program consisting of equal parts: aerobic, resistance and flexibility training. I'm the weakest at the flexibility part. 😉 Edited October 12, 2019 by wintermom 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertBlossom Posted October 12, 2019 Author Share Posted October 12, 2019 If I had known that exercise would be the answer, I wouldn't have asked the question. 😄 I was hoping someone would lead me to some fancy orthotic insoles or something. Lol. I do need to exercise more though. My preference is to swim, but that's been hard to make the time for, especially because it means washing my hair. My sisters with beginning hip issues are much more active than I am and only 1 carries a few extra pounds. So it's discouraging to think this may be unavoidable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyDay Posted October 12, 2019 Share Posted October 12, 2019 Do you know the root cause of the family history of hip problems? Prevention might depend upon the cause 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted October 12, 2019 Share Posted October 12, 2019 1 hour ago, DesertBlossom said: If I had known that exercise would be the answer, I wouldn't have asked the question. 😄 I was hoping someone would lead me to some fancy orthotic insoles or something. Lol. I do need to exercise more though. My preference is to swim, but that's been hard to make the time for, especially because it means washing my hair. My sisters with beginning hip issues are much more active than I am and only 1 carries a few extra pounds. So it's discouraging to think this may be unavoidable. They do have silicone swim caps even for really, really long hair. TYR or Speedo brand, swimoutlet.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frances Posted October 12, 2019 Share Posted October 12, 2019 14 minutes ago, HollyDay said: Do you know the root cause of the family history of hip problems? Prevention might depend upon the cause Exactly. My mom and her aunt both have severe rheumatoid arthritis. My mom has had three joint replacements. But so far none of her children or grandchildren are showing any symptoms of the disease. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertBlossom Posted October 13, 2019 Author Share Posted October 13, 2019 1 hour ago, HollyDay said: Do you know the root cause of the family history of hip problems? Prevention might depend upon the cause That's a good question. I don't know the cause of my mom's problems and she's not around to ask now. I know one of my sisters has seen at least 1 specialist, so I will have to ask her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wintermom Posted October 13, 2019 Share Posted October 13, 2019 (edited) My mom had congenital hip dysplasia, which resulted in her having to have her hip replaced twice (hip replacements only last about 20 years). My sister was born with it, and wore a brace as a baby. I've been tested, and all my dc have been tested, and we're all negative. Several members of my mom's family have had hip replacements, including several men. It does seem to be something that runs in my family. If there are that many of your family members that have had hip replacements, or have hip problems, it could be worthwhile looking into a genetic link. Edited October 13, 2019 by wintermom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted October 13, 2019 Share Posted October 13, 2019 (edited) 11 hours ago, Jean in Newcastle said: I do specific exercises to stabilize my hips. I have found the Katy Bowman blogs and books (recommended by someone on this forum) to be extremely helpful. Is she the one who wrote "Save your hips?" Someone here (I think) recommended a book by this or similar title. I have tight hips, probably a direct result from a congenital back malformation. I do daily exercises to "open" the hip joint. I am about your age and it helps a great deal. I still go to chiro about 1-2 times a months and massages but self care is key for me and I have to be consistent with it. ETA: Found the book: https://www.amazon.com/Save-Your-Hips-Naturally-Orthopedic/dp/0970144024 Edited October 13, 2019 by Liz CA 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted October 13, 2019 Share Posted October 13, 2019 13 minutes ago, Seasider too said: Maybe about 15 of us could pitch in to buy that and then circulate it? 😂 Must be one of those amazon price anomalies. Looks like a great resource, though! Good Grief. How ridiculous. I never looked at the price - just the title. Get it from your library or used book sources like Abe's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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