A recent study from Edith Cowan University (ECU) suggests that people with hip osteoarthritis might struggle to activate their muscles efficiently, and this could be more of a mental issue than a physical one.
Dr. Myles Murphy, a post-doctoral research fellow at ECU, conducted this research. He explored how muscle function is affected in patients with hip osteoarthritis and found that the condition causes difficulties in muscle activation, which goes beyond simple muscle weakness.
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Previous studies have shown that how much a joint deteriorates doesn’t always match the level of pain someone with arthritis might feel. In fact, having stronger muscles helps to protect the joints and reduce pain. However, Dr. Murphy’s research revealed that people with hip osteoarthritis can’t activate their muscles properly, even if they have strong muscles. This inability to use muscles effectively is not fully understood, but it plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of people with this condition.
As part of his study, Dr. Murphy and his team examined the brain function of individuals with hip arthritis. They discovered that the brain might be stopping these individuals from using their muscles correctly. This brain response seems to slow down their recovery process and the proper functioning of their muscles.
Dr. Murphy and his team are unsure of the exact reason why this happens, but they believe it might be related to the brain’s natural way of protecting the body from harm. In normal cases, like when someone twists an ankle or injures a knee, the body uses short-term pain responses to prevent further injury. But in cases of long-term pain, such as in osteoarthritis, the brain’s protective mechanism could backfire, leading to more harm than good.
Hip osteoarthritis is most common in people over 45 years of age, and women are more likely to develop it than men. Those who have had previous joint injuries, whether from sports or accidents, are at a higher risk, as well as individuals with joint abnormalities like hip dysplasia. This condition often affects how a person moves. Many people with hip arthritis struggle to walk normally or perform simple tasks like getting out of a chair or car.
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One of the major challenges for people with osteoarthritis is how it affects their daily lives. Dr. Murphy noted that the condition can cause people to miss a lot of work and carry a heavy financial burden. In his study, he found that people with hip arthritis had about 25% disability when performing everyday activities, compared to 0% in healthy individuals.
Dr. Murphy and his team are exploring new methods to help patients overcome this automatic muscle inhibition and recover more effectively. He emphasizes the importance of strength training for those with hip osteoarthritis. While the road to recovery is not easy and requires a lot of effort, it is possible to strengthen the muscles around the joint with proper exercise.
Dr. Murphy encourages people to keep working with trained professionals, like physiotherapists or exercise physiologists, to stay strong. Although it takes time, and there are no quick solutions, maintaining strength is key to managing osteoarthritis effectively.
Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
