Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip joint, often referred to as osteonecrosis, occurs in the event that blood flow to your hip bone decreases. A lack of circulation results in bone tissue beginning to disappear, which causes stiffness, pain and when left untreated, the eventual disintegration of your hip joint. Although surgery for the replacement of a hip is usually discussed for severe cases but many individuals can treat the early stage of AVN successfully without having to go under the surgical knife.
How to Recognise AVN Early
AVN usually begins slowly and catches it quickly. Hence, catching it before is essential. Watch out for
- Persistent, but subtle hip pain: Usually felt in the groin, thigh or buttocks. The pain may be intermittent in the beginning, and then increase with time.
- Stiffness and restricted movement: Activities like bending, standing, sitting or walking could cause discomfort.
- A limp or a change in gait: When the hip becomes weaker and the leg becomes weaker, limp can appear.
- Pain during rest or nighttime: In advanced cases, it can be painful even if you’re lying on your back and disrupting sleep.
The most at-risk people are people who take steroids for long periods of time and drink excessively, and have had trauma or have conditions such as sickle cell or lupus.
Managing AVN Without Surgery
If AVN is detected in the early stages, there are a variety of options to reduce the pain and delay progression
1. Adjust Daily Activities
Do not engage in high-intensity sports or long sitting. Activities that require less impact, such as cycling, swimming or walking, are a great way to help keep joints active without putting stress on them.
2. Strengthen Through Physiotherapy
A physiotherapist will guide the client through exercises specifically designed to help strengthen muscles around the hip, enhance the flexibility and stability of the joint.
3. Medications for Relief
The use of over-the-counter pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication can help ease pain. Sometimes, bone-strengthening medications may be recommended.
4. Use Supportive Devices
Walk sticks, crutches or specialised footwear may help reduce the strain on the hip, which allows it to heal while preventing further injury.
5. Explore Advanced Non-Invasive Therapies
The latest treatments, such as shockwave therapy and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound or regenerative therapies (PRP and stem cells), are able to stimulate bone regeneration and help slow down the progression of process of aging.
Stay Proactive
Routinely scheduled check-ups, as well as imaging such as MRI scans, are crucial to monitor AVN; early intervention could be a major factor in the preservation of mobility and overall health. These non-surgical methods may not only alleviate pain, but they can also to avoid hip replacements in numerous instances.
If you want professional advice and personal medical attention, look into Life 360 with Dr Nitu Verma, with a holistic focus on preventing AVN as well as maintaining your hip health.
FAQs
Is be treated by itself?
Early AVN is sometimes able to heal by taking care of it; however, self-healing is extremely rare without any treatment.
How often should I visit an orthopaedic surgeon for hip discomfort?
Any chronic hip pain, particularly those with limping or stiffness, is a good time to see a doctor.
Are painkillers enough?
They help with discomfort, but they don’t hinder progression. Lifestyle changes and therapies are required, too.
Do exercises cause an increase in AVN?
Exercises that cause high impact can hurt the hip more, whereas activities that are low-impact can help.
Do you need surgery every time?
Not all the time. A timely diagnosis and regular non-surgical medical treatment may delay or prevent surgery.