Arthritic Hip
Wear and tear is the top cause of hip
arthritis, but injuries, genetics, and dis-
ease can accelerate cartilage break-
down. As a result, your bones can grind
together every time you take a step. Pain,
stiffness, problems moving and sitting,
inability to rotate your leg to put on shoes,
or pain when standing are common, says
Alan Reznik, M.D., an arthroscopic sur-
geon based in Connecticut.FIRST-LINE FIXES Try physical therapy and
injections of an anti-inflammatory, such as
cortisone. Stretching and strength exer-
cises can also relieve hip pain and stiffness,
according to researchers in Canada.THE DECISION Guys younger than 50 should
grit their teeth and wait if possible. An arti-
ficial hip lasts about 30 years, max. Waiting
increases the odds that the one surgery will
last your lifetime, says Dr. Reznik.WHAT HAPPENS Your surgeon—ideally a hip
specialist—rebuilds the ball and socket con-
necting your thighbone and pelvis. You may
walk with a cane for weeks, but by month
three you’ll likely be pain-free.116 MensHealth.com^ | December 2016