With the right medical care, exercise and nutrition, patients can confidently mitigate the impact of a hip injury.
By Jennifer Dawson
Hip injuries are a cause for serious concern in all age ranges, but especially adolescents and the elderly. An unattended injury can cause growth impediments or restrict mobility. Scientific studies by JCCA even found that the effects of a hip fracture can create obfuscating symptoms having potential secondary effects. With the population of the USA aging it’s likely to become more important to consider how to prevent and manage hip injury. Doing this intelligently and in a time efficient manner is important, with family caregiving sometimes time consuming. This article will cover how to effectively manage a hip injury.
Exercises
Especially with seniors, exercising a hip injury can seem like a difficult proposition when the muscles have been weakened by injury and a period of convalescence. However, studies have shown that post-injury muscle strengthening is crucial to long-term ability. Whilst training for a half-marathon will be beyond most, for hip injuries the important exercises are quite gentle and adaptable, specifically varied hip flexor exercises. Typically consisting of lunges and other core-focused exercises, these also have the effect of powering your core, which can fight any back pain accrued from being laid up or compensating for poor hip strength.
Nutrition
Food can often go by the wayside – especially so after a difficult hip injury requiring hospitalization or surgery. Whilst this is understandable, those caring for a person diagnosed with hip problems or someone caring for themselves should focus on nutrition. Key vitamins like potassium and sodium will improve joint flexibility and function. Protein will rebuild weakened muscles.
Compensatory Action
Whilst focusing on muscle groups to compensate for the action of a weakened hip isn’t a good tactic indefinitely, it can definitely help in the short run. For example, the gluteal muscles offer a counterbalance to the range of action that the hips rely on. If you are able to exercise these in isolated exercises, without putting strain on your hip flexors, you can aptly compensate in the meanwhile for any weakness or lack of balance. You’ll also be able to devote more time and confidence to hip-focused exercises, which can be recorded on fitness trackers . Hip injuries can be peril some if left unattended. With the right medical care, exercise and nutrition, you can confidently mitigate the impact of a hip injury and make sure you have the assurance of hip health for years to come.
With the right medical care, exercise and nutrition, patients can confidently mitigate the impact of a hip injury Click To Tweet
Jennifer Dawson is an experienced freelance writer who specializes in food and nutrition. Working in fitness marketing previously gave her a good feel for the industry and since going freelance she has been able to explore her preferred topic areas such as diet, nutrition and food. Outside of work, Jen enjoys traveling, swimming and spending time with her young family.