The Arthritis Foundation reports over 30 million people live with osteoarthritis in the US. Nearly 25% of aging adults will develop symptomatic hip arthritis. On average over 500,000 people undergo a hip replacement each year. Based on these numbers, clearly everyone does not need their hip replaced.
Arthritis of the hip is a slow progressing condition that happens to some degree in everyone as they age. The question becomes why are some people more impacted than others?
The answer is not so simple, but in short those in “better” shape or who take action to keep their body healthy and are active tend to be less impacted. This means that when you are told you have “arthritis” at age 40, you start or keep working on your mobility, strength, and balance. The answer is not to sit, do nothing, and hope for the best. Sitting and inactivity are actually the WORST possible things to do if someone has arthritis. 
Why is it the worst? Because inactivity results in weaker muscles, reduced flexibility, and overall impaired mobility. If you want to be active at 50, 60, or 70 years of age (with all your own body parts), it is important to be active.
But won’t being active hurt my hip?
Maybe some soreness to begin with (like with all new exercise programs), but activity is truly the best way to keep your body and joints healthy. This does not mean you have to go run and jump. There is a safe, healthy activity for all regardless of physical ability.
My doctor told me I have hip arthritis but I don’t know what to do.
That is fine. It just means you are perfect to seek guidance from a LICENSED health provider (first). By speaking with and getting treatment if/as necessary with a qualified provider you can get put on the right path for you.
The right path you ask? To be determined based on a thorough assessment of your strength, flexibility, balance, and more. Often times, the best place to start is with a therapist who can guide you into the best program for you. This program could ultimately be anything from pilates, yoga, swimming, cycling or many others. But everything should start with that licensed health provider who specializes in working with people with arthritis.
Still have questions? Need more answers? Try starting HERE. If you do not find all the answers, then maybe try out your personalized Discovery Session absolutely FREE. Here you can get a personalize plan outlined for you at no cost.
Bottom line…Surgery is not necessary except in the most extreme of cases and if you are proactive in addressing your strength, flexibility, balance, you will have a great change to avoid surgery.