Common Hip Injuries
Here are guidelines for the hip injuries doctors see most often:
What goes wrong: Cartilage in the hip breaks down, allowing the bones to rub together.
Who gets it: Again, a wide range of people. As with arthritis of the knee, malalignment, genetics, age, and old injuries all may play a part.
Ways to prevent it: Stay slim. Extra weight loads down the joints.
How to fix it: To prevent its damaging effects and stave off a full joint replacement for as long as possible, cut out the pounding workouts like running and aerobics, but do lower-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling to keep your weight down and get blood circulating.
The latest treatment: Hip resurfacing surgery doesn't require removal of the top of the femur the way a total replacement does. Instead, the surgeon shaves off just the top of the femur and covers it with a metal cap. Sparing the bone means a full replacement can always be done later, if necessary.
Click on the links below for guidelines on other common sports injuries:
Ankle Injuries • Back Injuries • Elbow Injuries • Knee Injuries • Shoulder Injuries
Exercise Guide Special Report • More From Health
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