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When everyday tasks become more difficult
Do you have trouble bending down to tie your shoelaces? Does climbing stairs require more effort than before? Is morning stiffness gradually setting in and now seems to be part of your routine?
These symptoms are often dismissed or attributed to fatigue, age, or simply a lack of flexibility. However, they can reveal hip wear and tear, a problem far more common than one might think.
Long associated only with the elderly, hip osteoarthritis now affects more and more active adults, sometimes as young as 35 or 40.
The good news is that early intervention often slows the progression of symptoms and preserves a good quality of life for many years.
What is a worn hip?
A “worn-out” hip generally corresponds to a progressive deterioration of the articular cartilage.
This cartilage acts as a protective layer between the bones. It allows the joints to move smoothly, without painful friction.
When this cartilage thins or gradually disappears, the bones begin to rub against each other. This then causes:
- pain;
- stiffness;
- a loss of mobility;
- and sometimes inflammation of the joint.
This wear and tear is called coxarthrosis, more commonly known as hip osteoarthritis.
The main causes of hip wear
The onset of hip osteoarthritis often results from several combined factors.
Genetic predisposition
Some families are more affected by joint problems. Genetic predisposition can therefore play a significant role.
Overweight
Each extra kilogram increases the pressure on the hip joint.
Over time, this overload accelerates cartilage wear.
Physical jobs and repetitive movements
Jobs requiring heavy lifting or repetitive movements can gradually weaken the joint.
Certain sports practiced intensively can also accentuate this wear and tear.
History of joint injuries or diseases
An old fracture, a dislocation or certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can promote the onset of hip osteoarthritis.