Hip arthritis isn’t just painful; It can slow down your movements and erode your quality of life rapidly if untreated. If you’re struggling with hip arthritis and wondering if your weight could play a role in your pain, we’re here to explain the possible connection.
Dr. Sarkis Bedikian, a hip arthritis specialist with over 20 years of experience, offers empathetic arthritis care at his Palos Hills and Mokena, IL practices. He works closely with patients to manage risk factors, like excess weight, contributing to hip arthritis, and develop personalized treatment plans for long-term relief.
Here’s what you need to know about how your weight might worsen your symptoms.
How Weight Contributes to Hip Arthritis
Excess weight increases stress on your hip joints, accelerating wear and tear over time. Multiple studies over several decades confirm that weight often contributes significantly to developing hip arthritis. The greater the excess weight, the higher the risk of developing hip arthritis.
The reason for this may be fairly simple. Your hips are weight-bearing joints, meaning they help carry the full weight of your body.
So, when you move, your hips sustain a large impact (some estimates say the force on the joint is equal to about 2.5 times your body weight.) Imagine how much larger that impact could be when you’re carrying extra pounds.
Adding to the force on your hips with each step speeds up joint breakdown. Over time, this can lead to pain and decreased mobility.
Signs Your Weight May Be Impacting Your Hips
Certain symptoms could indicate that weight is contributing to your hip arthritis:
- Persistent Hip Pain: Worsens with physical activity
- Stiffness
- Reduced Hip Movement
- Daily Difficulties: Climbing stairs, walking, and other routine activities
If you notice these signs, it’s time for an arthritis evaluation with Dr. Bedikian. He can diagnose your arthritis and provide effective weight management guidance to relieve your symptoms and protect your joints.
Managing Weight to Support Hip Health
Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on your hips and slow the progression of arthritis. Strategies may include:
- Low-Impact Exercise: Swimming, cycling, or other activities that don’t pressure your hip joints
- Nutritional Support: Changing your diet to reduce foods contributing to weight gain, like saturated fats. You can feel satisfied while eating healthfully!
- Personalized Arthritis Treatment: Dr. Bedikian treats each patient as an individual and uses a whole-person osteopathic approach to healing. He helps you make necessary changes, offers treatment options best suited for you, and guides you as you learn how to conquer both weight struggles and hip arthritis.
Losing even a small percentage of body weight can significantly improve your symptoms and enhance your quality of life.
Hip Arthritis Care in Palos Hills and Mokena, IL
Dr. Sarkis Bedikian combines his expertise and compassionate approach to support patients managing hip arthritis. He understands the challenges of this condition and tailors treatments to meet your needs. Call our office at 708-237-7200 in Palos Hills or Mokena, IL, to book your consultation.
