Nutrition and Medication

Analgesics, such as acetaminophen can provide limited pain relief but they do not reduce inflammation associated with arthritis.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Temporary pain relief can be achieved by reducing the inflammation of the tissue in the hip. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, may be recommended to decrease the inflammation associated with arthritis. Aspirin, ibuprofen and ketoprofen are over-the-counter NSAIDs which reduce inflammation and swelling along with prescribed NSAIDs available through your physician.

Nutritional supplements

To improve the joint’s mobility and decrease hip pain from arthritis, the nutritional supplements glucosamine and chondroitin may be used. They can slow the cartilage deterioration in the joint and reduce bone-on-bone pain. Both are naturally occurring substances found in cartilage. Glucosamine is thought to promote the growth of new cartilage and repair the damaged cartilage, while chondroitin is believed to inhibit cartilage-destroying enzymes and to promote water retention, improving the elasticity of cartilage. Talk to your physician before taking these supplements.