The hips are among the strongest joints in the body and bear a great deal of the responsibility for supporting and stabilizing the body. Unfortunately, hip pain is very common. It affects at least 15% of Americans over the age of 60, but you can get hip pain at any age. Physical therapy near me can help you prevent hip pain or, if you already have it, potentially provide relief.
Hip Health Hacks
There are things you can do to improve the health of your joints in general, including your hips. Supporting joint health now could help you avoid hip pain later. Even if you have hip pain now, improving your overall joint health may help alleviate it.
You may not see what the shoes you wear have to do with the health of your hips. However, if your shoes do not provide adequate support, they can throw your entire skeleton out of alignment when you stand or walk. This can contribute to knee and back pain as well as foot pain. Make sure that your shoes have the following:
- A toe box with room for all your toes
- Support for your full arch
- A sole that resists twisting motion
- Ample cushioning for your entire foot
- A proper fit
Even supportive, well-fitting shoes wear out eventually. Replace your shoes when they no longer feel good on your feet, which may be before they start showing visible signs of wear.
Eating foods rich in nutrients is good for not just your joints but your overall health. For your joints specifically, choose foods rich in antioxidants, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C. Eating healthy foods and getting regular exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight. This also helps your joint health because excess pounds put pressure on your joints. Physical therapy can teach you how to get the most out of a workout routine.
A fall onto your side could result in a hip fracture. This can happen at any age, but the elderly are particularly at risk due to age-related conditions that affect balance. Keep yourself and your household safe by keeping your house neat and free of clutter.
Strategies for a Pain-Free Future
While it can be tempting to avoid physical exercise when your hips hurt, some daily activity is good to keep your joints flexible. If you don’t move around enough, they can become stiff. On the other hand, if you push yourself beyond your physical limitations, you could injure yourself and have even more hip pain.
“How would physical therapy near me be helpful?” you may be asking yourself. A physical therapist will start by asking you about what you’d like to accomplish in therapy. The next step is often to design an exercise program for you that increases your strength and flexibility without pushing you too far. Physical therapy can also help improve balance to prevent falls.
Your physical therapist may also perform pain relief modalities, such as electrical stimulation or ultrasound. Less pain can make it easier to perform the therapeutic exercises at home and stay active generally to maintain a healthy weight. Contact a physical therapy clinic to make an appointment or ask your doctor for a referral.
