Conservative hip treatments
If the osteoarthritis of the hip joint is not yet so advanced, it can be treated with the help of shoe inserts, shoes with cushioning soles, walking sticks, physiotherapy, medication against inflammation and pain as well as cartilage-supporting medication or nutritional supplements.
In addition, lifestyle habits should be adapted in terms of diet and joint-friendly sports and exercise. It is important to keep the arthritic joint in motion with joint-friendly sports such as cycling, swimming, walking, etc.
If you are overweight, weight reduction will of course help. A lubricant injection or cortisone injection can also help to reduce the pain.
Conservative treatment methods
- Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication
- Medication and substances (dietary supplements) to strengthen the cartilage
- Medical training therapy/physiotherapy
- Injections into the joint with lubricants (hyaluronic acid) and anti-inflammatory medication (cortisone)
- Aids such as walking sticks, insoles, health shoes
- Changes in lifestyle with regard to sport, obesity, diet, etc.
These measures can help to reduce osteoarthritis pain and slow down the progression of cartilage wear. However, the osteoarthritis itself cannot be stopped or cured by these conservative measures.
Injections into the hip joint are carried out under X-ray or ultrasound guidance, as the hip joint is well packed by the surrounding muscles and enclosed by a rough joint capsule. This support is needed to ensure that an injection into the hip joint is successful and that the contents actually reach the affected hip joint.
We therefore work together with an X-ray centre that administers the appropriate injections into the hip joint.
Injections with hyaluronic acid
The hyaluronic acid preparation is a synthetically produced lubricant for the joints. By injecting it into the joint, the friction of the arthritically altered cartilage surface is reduced. This allows the joint to move better. In addition, the joint is less irritated by the lubrication, which reduces the inflammation of the joint caused by osteoarthritis. This in turn reduces osteoarthritis pain.
Depending on the stage of osteoarthritis, the lubricating injections work differently. Many patients regain a good quality of life thanks to these lubricating injections. Initially, a total of three lubricating injections are injected at intervals of one week. As this requires X-ray or ultrasound monitoring, these injections are administered in an X-ray centre. The effect of the lubricating injections lasts for a certain period of time. The injection can be repeated at any time if there is a good response.
The costs of this treatment are not covered by health insurance. The price of a lubricating injection for the treatment of hip osteoarthritis is CHF 120.
Injections with cortisone
Cortisone is produced in our body and serves, among other things, to alleviate inflammation. This property is utilised. The synthetically produced cortisone is injected into the affected joint. This cortisone dissolves slowly and therefore has a prolonged effect, temporarily reducing osteoarthritis pain. Unfortunately, cortisone also has some side effects. It attacks the bone and cartilage and weakens the tendons. In addition, the cortisone suppresses the body's own immune system and thus increases the risk of infection. Despite the local injection of cortisone into the joint, some of it can also enter the bloodstream and trigger corresponding temporary effects. For these reasons, we use cortisone injections with great caution.
In order for the contents of the cortisone injection to reach the affected hip joint correctly, it needs the support of an X-ray machine (image converter) or an ultrasound. For this reason, we work together with an X-ray centre.
Book a consultation appointment
We guarantee rapid, expert clarification and advice as well as treatment using the most modern methods.
Dr Andreas L. Oberholzer is a proven expert in the treatment of hip arthrosis and has extensive experience in the field of artificial hip joints and alternative treatment methods.
Book your appointment directly online here or call us on +41 44 388 16 16. You are also welcome to come to us for a second opinion.
PD Dr Andreas L. Oberholzer
FMH specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery. Areas of specialisation: Knee, hip and foot surgery.