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Your Amazing Hip Joint
Take
a single step. You have just moved 62 bones in the
pelvis area, legs, and feet. One of the joints that
absorbs tremendous forces in the human body is the
hip joint, but it can also be the source of numerous
problems-especially pain associated with arthritic
changes.
The
hip joint, known as a "ball-and-socket"
joint, is among the human body's most flexible joints.
Because of the tremendous stress placed on the hip
joint due to weight-bearing and the forces of walking,
special requirements were needed to make everything
function normally. A smooth, hardwearing surface was
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 alone would not be enough, as lubrication
is required to make the joint move properly. In the
human body 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.
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