Joint Replacement
Understanding Hip Pain
The ends of two or more bones, connected together by ligament tissues, form a joint. For example, your hip is a ball and socket joint, formed by the upper end of the femur (ball), and a part of the pelvis called the acetabulum (socket). The bone ends inside a hip joint are covered with a smooth layer called joint cartilage. Normal cartilage allows nearly frictionless and pain-free movement. A normal hip joint can be compared to a brand new tire. Lots of tread and a smooth ride for the vehicle!
| As the hip joint begins to show signs of wear, smooth cartilage begins to deteriorate, soften, fragment and break off, eventually wearing down to the bone. The cartilage tread fragments break off, accumulate, and irritate the lining of the joint. This may cause inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and loss of motion. A joint lining tissue membrane, similar to the lining inside of your cheek, encloses every joint with a smooth tissue lining called the synovium. The synovium produces fluid that reduces friction and wear in a joint. It also contains many nerve endings that produce pain and swelling when irritated by joint wear debris. |
Normal Hip Joint
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Although the entire process of arthritic joint wear and breakdown may take years to develop, symptoms may develop suddenly and without warning. None of our current homeopathic or prescription medical treatments “cure the arthritis” (defined as restoring the cartilage surfaces to normal--despite advertisements to the contrary). Current treatments may have variable levels of success in reducing pain and swelling, improving motion, and slowing further joint damage.
Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common forms of arthritis. The wear and tear of daily life is the most common reason for arthritis. Although joint wear is also affected by the genetic makeup and durability of our cartilage. Our genetically determined cartilage structure and durability determines our joint health and longevity. Other common factors that contribute to premature wear of joint surfaces include: joint injuries (serious hip fractures, hip dislocation), overuse of a joint from work or sport activities, abnormal joint anatomy, weak muscle control, and obesity.
