Medication for hip arthritis

cocoa

what meds are best for hip arthritis I am currently on landoprazole co codamol and anti inflammatorys but give myself a break quite often as don’t like taking meds but seems only way to carry on with life as get severely restricted now can’t walk far or do my garden/ decorating etc . Do exercises and am due for surgery beg July 2025 . Any tips !

helpline_team

Hi @cocoa,

Thank you for posting on the Helpline Online Community. I'm sorry to hear you are experiencing hip pain that is having an impact on daily activities whilst you wait for surgery.

Taking painkillers, such as paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen can help reduce your symptoms and allow you to stay active. However, as we are not medically trained on the Helpline, I am unable to state what medication may be suitable for you. Please contact your GP for this advice or talk to a local pharmacist.

For alternatives to medications, many people with arthritis find thermotherapy helps. Putting an ice pack wrapped in a towel on areas of inflammation can reduce swelling and ease pain. You can apply ice for up to 20 minutes several times a day. For painful and stiff joints, applying heat could help. Heat/cold compressions can be alternated.

You mention you do exercises which is important to build strength around the hip joint for support and stability. Doing gentle movement can also reduce joint pain, stiffness and swelling. You may benefit from our Let's Move for Surgery toolkit exercises, which includes exercises for the hip. These are suitable for people with arthritis both before and after hip replacement surgery. We also have some tips on gardening when you have arthritis available on our website which you may wish to refer to.

You may find the following pages on our website helpful:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/lets-move-for-surgery-toolkit/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/hip-pain/

I hope this helps, but if you would like to talk things through informally and in confidence, please get in touch on our Helpline 0800 5200 520 (Open Mon - Fri 9 am - 6 pm).

Best wishes,
Helen, Helpline Advisor

cocoa

thank you fir reply I will certainly heed your advice it’s good to have someone who listens !!