When you think about osteoporosis, your mind probably jumps to images of frail bones or perhaps an elder’s hunched posture. The problem is that our hips are the most at-risk areas for this condition. Not only that, but hip fractures from osteoporosis are among the worst health complications that a person can face in their lives, something that often leads to long-term mobility issues and even life-threatening complications.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re either concerned about your bone health or have been recently diagnosed with osteoporosis – don’t worry, this guide has got you covered. So let’s break down everything you need to know about osteoporosis and its impact on your hip health.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition in which your bones become progressively more fragile over time. The name itself means “porous bones,” which is precisely what happens here. Over time, your bones develop tiny holes and spaces, suggesting a loss of density and making them look somewhat like a honeycomb under a microscope. This loss of density means your bones can break far more easily than they should, sometimes from something as simple as a minor fall or even a strong cough.
What makes osteoporosis particularly troubling is that it’s often called a silent disease. It’s scary, as you could be losing bone density right now without experiencing any symptoms whatsoever. There won’t be any pain, no obvious warning signs, and nothing that would prompt you to think something’s wrong would happen. Generally, and unfortunately, many people only discover they have osteoporosis after they’ve already suffered a fracture.
There are several risk factors that can increase your likelihood of developing osteoporosis. Age, for starters, is the most significant one, and as we get older, our bones naturally lose their density. Women are at a particularly high risk of this condition, especially after menopause when oestrogen levels drop sharply. As the NHS states, women can lose their bone density quite rapidly in the few years following menopause.
Your family history matters nearly as much as your age. If your parents or siblings have had osteoporosis, your risk of being diagnosed with this condition increases drastically. As for the smaller factors, a low body weight, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can all contribute to weakened bones. Certain medications, particularly long-term corticosteroids, can also accelerate bone loss. Even your diet matters for maintaining bone density, as without enough calcium and vitamin D, your bones won’t have the building blocks they need to stay strong.
How osteoporosis affects the hip
Weakens bones
Our hip is made up of several bones that work together like a well-oiled machine, with the femur meeting your pelvis at the hip joint. When osteoporosis sets in, it tends to weaken all these bones simultaneously. The femoral neck, which is the narrow section just below the femoral head, becomes particularly fragile. This area is already somewhat vulnerable by design, and when osteoporosis further weakens it, it becomes a prime site for fractures.
Increases fracture risk
Hip fractures from osteoporosis are among the most excruciating bone breaks you can experience. Unlike a broken wrist, a hip fracture almost always requires immediate surgery and an extended recovery period. The frightening part is that, according to one study, approximately 20% of older hip fracture patients die within one year of their injury, often from complications related to reduced mobility. The worst part about osteoporosis is how easily these fractures can occur. A healthy person might fall and bruise their hip, but someone with osteoporosis might fall in precisely the same way and end up with a broken hip.
Causes pain in the surrounding area
While osteoporosis itself is painless, the weakening of your hip bones often leads to discomfort in the surrounding area, way before a fracture even occurs. As your bones become more fragile, the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around your hip try to work harder to stabilise the joint. This extra strain often results in aching or soreness in your hip and groin. Sometimes people also experience a dull ache in their hip with no apparent cause. The pain can also radiate to your groin, thigh, or even your knee, and not everyone with osteoporosis experiences this. But if you do, please get it checked by a specialist as soon as possible.
Leads to other symptoms
Outside the pain and fracture risk, osteoporosis can also trigger other hip-related issues that affect your daily life. For once, your muscles try to compensate for weak bones, but over time, this leads to increased fatigue and a constant sense of tiredness. Then, you may find it harder to climb stairs, get up from a chair, or maintain your balance. Your range of motion becomes limited, and muscle spasms become an almost everyday occurrence. Many people also report feeling less stable on their feet, which further raises the risk of a fracture.
What is the treatment for osteoporosis in the hip?
Now, the good news is that there is a lot you can do to help you manage osteoporosis and keep your hips well-protected. The treatment for this condition typically involves a mix of lifestyle changes, medications and working with a hip specialist in London.
Getting your calcium and vitamin D levels right is the first step – after all, your bones need calcium to maintain strength, and vitamin D helps your body absorb it. There are two ways to go about this: you can seek minerals and vitamins through dairy products, leafy greens, oily fish, and fortified foods. Alternatively, you can start taking supplements consistently to restore optimal levels of both.
Regular exercise is another aspect of the treatment that you need to focus on. For instance, engaging in weight-bearing exercises like climbing stairs and resistance training can help strengthen your bones and muscles. Then, balance exercises like tai chi or yoga can help reduce fall risk – something that is especially important when your bones are fragile.
As for medications, your doctor will likely prescribe bisphosphonates, which can slow your bone breakdown and reduce the risk of fractures. For women after menopause, hormone replacement therapy is a lifesaver as it can help them maintain bone density till later years of life.
As for some more minor lifestyle changes: If you smoke, quit, and if you consume too much alcohol, cut back as much as possible. Make your living environment a little safer, too, by removing loose rugs, installing bright, good lighting, and installing grab bars throughout your living space. Consider using a walking stick to support your hips and navigate your environment more safely.
Finally, if you are experiencing hip pain, reduced mobility, or have recently had a fracture, please reach out to a hip specialist to discuss the next steps. They are the very best at assessing your situation and can develop a comprehensive treatment plan for your treatment. Just don’t try to manage things on your own and seek help when you need it.
Taking control of your bone health
Yes – osteoporosis can absolutely affect your hips, and it’s most definitely a serious condition. But with proper treatment and lifestyle modifications, you can almost certainly protect your hips and maintain your quality of life. Don’t wait until something breaks. If you feel that you have any of the risk factors discussed near the beginning, talk to your GP or a specialist about a bone density scan today and get started on a treatment plan right away. Your hips deserve protection, and that starts with taking action right away.
