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Your Hip Joint
Take a single step.
You have just moved 62 bones in your pelvis area,
legs and feet. And much of what is required to take
that step is centered in your hip joint. Known as
a “ball-and-socket” joint, it absorbs
tremendous forces, but it can also be the source of
numerous problems—especially pain associated
with arthritic changes.
The hip joint is among
the most flexible joints in the human body. But because
of the stress placed on the hip joint due to weight-bearing
and the forces of walking, special requirements are
needed to make everything function normally. A smooth,
hardwearing surface is necessary where the two bones—thighbone
(femur) and pelvic bone (ilium)—come together.
God designed this smooth surface, which we know as
cartilage. Wear and tear on the cartilage can cause
osteoarthritis. The cartilage also requires lubrication
to make the joint move properly. This lubricating
liquid is called synovial fluid.
With arthritic changes,
each step can produce joint pain and stiffness—
particularly in the morning. In severe cases, the
joint literally wears out to the point that bone is
rubbing on bone. We must be aware of and guard against
deterioration of this cartilage. One of the most beneficial
exercises in the fight against cartilage deterioration
is simply walking. Walking tends to keep the cartilage
softened and lubricated. If the cartilage begins to
degenerate, increased friction can occur in the joint,
eventually causing pain, swelling, and inability to
move the joint freely.
You should see your
physician at the first sign of pain in your hip. It
may simply be tendonitis or bursitis in the joint.
Your doctor can properly diagnose the problem, enabling
you to pray and take authority.
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