Hip Health: Five Steps
Hip health is vital to maintaining mobility as we age. Try these tips to keep your hips healthy, strong, and pain free.
Chow Down, Bone Up
Two types of food are especially important: oily fish and dairy products. The oily fish will get you your omega-3 acids, which help lubricate joints and ease inflammation. The dairy will help you get your daily vitamin D and calcium, both of which are essential to building and maintaining bone density.
Try Some Simple Exercises
If you are experiencing any pain in your hips, please consult with a doctor and/or physiotherapist before performing any exercises–even these!
Hip Squeezes: Lay flat on your back with your knees raised and bent. Put a cushion between your knees, squeeze, and hold for five seconds.
Leg Raises: Lay on your back with your legs laying flat on the ground. Slowly raise each leg, keeping both straight, and hold in the air for at least two seconds.
Side Raises: Lay on your side, with the knee closest to the ground bent. Raise the other leg, keeping it straight, and hold for five seconds.
Repeat each exercise ten times (ten per leg, for the last two).
Be Hip, Take a Dip
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: hit the pool. Water is your joints’ friend. It allows you to get those strengthening exercises without putting too much pressure on your joints.
Take a Load Off
Maintain a healthy weight, and your hips will thank you. Less lbs means exponentially less pressure on your hip joints.
Hips Don’t Lie–So Listen To Yours
If you are experiencing pain in your hips, see a doctor ASAP–don’t wait it out. A wide range of issues, including things like gynecological issues or foot problems that you might not expect, can cause hip pain. Identifying the source of discomfort as soon as it arises is integral to keeping your hips healthy.
If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in your hips, we encourage you to request an appointment with our joint specialists today.
