One of the body's joints most susceptible to arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, is the hip. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention, there is a 1 in 5 lifetime chance for males and 1 in 4 lifetime risk for women developing hip osteoarthritis [1].

The hip joint can sustain moderate amounts of wear and tear as well as repeated action. The largest ball-and-socket joint in the body fits together in a way that permits fluid motion [2]. 

Every time the hip is used (for instance, during running), a cushion of cartilage serves to reduce friction as the hip bone moves within its socket. The cartilage may deteriorate or suffer injury with time and usage. Hip tendons and muscles are susceptible to overuse. Hip fractures can occur from falls or other accidents. Hip pain may be brought on by any of these conditions [3].

Numerous research carried done in various regions of India demonstrate widespread misunderstandings and misinformation concerning hip pain among the populace. In order to affect a behavioural change when the populace is most receptive, the proper information at the right time is crucial because this disease is mainly preventable. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of ortho OPD patients at Regional Hospital in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, regarding risk and preventive factors for hip pain.

Objectives of the Study

To evaluate the awareness of patients attending Ortho OPD towards risk and Prevention of hip pain at Regional Hospital in Bilaspur of Himachal Pradesh.

• Research Approach: Descriptive

• Research Design: Cross Sectional Hospital Based Survey

• Setting of the Study: Ortho OPD of Regional Hospital in Bilaspur of Himachal Pradesh

• Study Duration: July 2022 to September 2022

• Study Population: Ortho OPD patients in Regional Hospital in Bilaspur of Himachal Pradesh

• Sample Size: 400 assuming 50% adults have adequate knowledge regarding risk and preventive factors for hip pain, 5% absolute error, 95% confidence level and 5% non-response rate

• Sampling Technique: Convenience Sampling Technique

• Sampling Criteria: First five patients attending the Ortho OPD of Regional Hospital, Bilaspur everyday were selected till the completion of sample size after explaining the purpose of the study. Informed consent/assent was taken from them and confidentiality of the selected participants was also maintained 

• Inclusive Criteria: Patients selected during the day of data collection in study setting and who were willing to participate in the study

• Exclusion Criteria: Patients who were not willing to participate in the study 

• Development of Tool: Knowledge related questionnaires

Description of Tool

• Section A: Socio-demographic characteristics of the patients (Age, Gender etc.)

• Sections B: Questions regarding awareness of risk and preventive factors for hip pain

• Validity of Tool: By the experts in this field

• Permission: Obtained from the concerned head of the Regional Hospital, Bilaspur

• Data collection by the researcher themselves and patients were given 5 minutes’ time to complete that questionnaire and collected at the end of the prescribed time

• Data Analysis: Data was collected and entered in Microsoft excel spread sheet, cleaned for errors and analyzed with Epi Info V7 Software with appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies, percentage, mean standard deviation etc

• Ethical Considerations: Participants confidentiality and anonymity was maintained

The present study was Non-experimental descriptive study carried out to evaluate the awareness of risk and preventive factors for hip pain at Regional Hospital in Bilaspur of Himachal Pradesh. 

In the present study 28.75% (115) of the Patients fall were below 40 years of age while 71.25% (285) were above 40 years. 56.75% (227) of patients were male and 43.25% (173) were female (Table 1).

Table 1: Knowledge about Risk Factors of Hip Pain

Among the total study participants, 53(13.25%)didn’t know about any risk factor of hip pain. 275 (68.75%) respondents told that Abnormal gait while walking is the major risk factor for hip pain followed Lack of physical activity/exercise 254 (63.5%), Prolonged sitting 226 (56.5%), Driving or traveling long distances without break 199 (49.75%), Bad posture while sitting 194 (48.5%), Hip injury/dislocation 181 (45.25%), Nerve compression 177 (44.25%), Inadequate amounts of dietary calcium and vitamin D intake 118 (29.5%), Overweight/Obesity 98 (24.5%), Hip Muscle weakness/strain 97 (24.25%), Heavy physical overload 85 (21.25%), Hip Bone deformity/Mal-positioning 33 (8.25%) and Unhealthy diet 22 (5.5%) (Table 2).

Table 2: Knowledge of Patients towards Prevention of Hip Pain

Among the total, maximum 276 (69%) respondents told that maintaining normal gait while walking is the major preventive factor for hip pain followed by Exercise of hip regularly       257 (64.25%), Frequent position change and stretching while working 243 (60.75%), Frequent breaks while working on chair 233 (58.25%), Frequent breaks while travelling long distances 230 (57.5%), Maintaining good posture while sitting 199 (49.75%), Avoid hip injury/sprain 184 (46%), Calcium and Vitamin D supplements 121 (30.25%), Maintain ideal weight 101 (25.25%), Avoid heavy lifting 88 (22%) and Eating healthily and balanced diet 23 (5.75%). Still 49 (12.25%) respondents didn’t know any preventive factor for hip pain among participants.

People with hip arthritis may find it challenging to walk around and manage their everyday tasks due to the discomfort that hip arthritis causes. Hip arthritis frequently becomes more painful and stiff in the morning or after a period of rest. Hip osteoarthritis often progresses slowly over time and might reduce range of motion [4].

Hip pain can be brought on by a variety of conditions. Hip discomfort can be caused by abnormalities of the skin, nerves, bones, joints, blood vessels and soft tissues. Hip discomfort can also be brought on by illnesses that also affect other joints in the body, such as the inflammation brought on by arthritis. Hip discomfort can also result from trauma or injury, including a bone fracture. An issue with the back or spine can also cause hip pain [5].

In the present study, the majority risk factor for hip discomfort, according to 275 (68.75%) of the study's participants, is abnormal walking stride. Driving or travelling long distances without stopping 199 (49.75%), Prolonged Sitting 226 (56.5%), Lack of Physical Activity/Exercise 254 (63.5%) and Poor Posture While Sitting 194 (48.5%). The majority of respondents 276 (69%) said that maintaining a normal gait while walking is the main preventive factor for hip pain. This was followed by regular hip exercise (257, 64.25%), frequent position changes and stretching breaks while working (243, 60.75%), frequent breaks while working in a chair (233, 58.25%), frequent breaks while travelling long distances (230, 57.5%) and maintaining good posture while seated (199.5%). In the study, 53 (13.25%) of the participants had no knowledge of any risk factors and 49 (12.25%) had no knowledge of any preventative variables for hip discomfort.

The hip joint experiences general wear and tear, which leads to osteoarthritis. Frequently, small lifestyle adjustments like decreasing weight or switching to a lower-impact workout regimen can significantly improve symptoms [6].

Don't disregard small injuries if you want to prevent hip discomfort. Treat them to prevent more serious injuries that could later result in hip discomfort. Hip pain can be prevented in individuals with desk jobs by adjusting your posture by moving chairs, standing while working, or taking frequent walking or stretching breaks. Stretching can help to keep your joints loose, your blood and joint fluids flowing and your connective tissues warm and supple before vigorous exercise. Afterward, don't forget to cool down. Be aware of your body. You may be overdoing it if you develop joint pain. Stretch and examine your muscles and joints during a break. Wear the proper footwear to reduce stress on your feet, ankles and knees, which can cause hip issues. Exercise should also be avoided on rough, unforgiving surfaces. Lose a few pounds; being overweight makes joints less flexible and puts pressure on them. After periods of exercise, get enough rest so your joints and tissues can fully heal. To guarantee that you are developing strong bones, eat a balanced diet [7,8].

When muscles and tissues are flexible and strong, they are less likely to sustain injuries. Regular exercise also helps keep the muscles strong and promotes circulation to all of the tissues. Physical therapy and frequent, moderate exercise can help the hip muscles become stronger and more flexible, which will both enhance mobility and reduce stiffness and pain [9,10].

According to the results of the current study, maintaining a normal gait while walking and sitting, exercising your hips regularly, switching up your posture frequently while working, taking many breaks while sitting in a chair and taking long road trips can all help prevent hip pain. Complications can be avoided by having a clear grasp of the risk and preventive factors for hip pain.

1. Arthritis-health. “Five Risk Factors for Hip Arthritis.” Arthritis-health, https://www.arthritis-health.com/blog/5-risk-factors-hip-arthritis. Accessed July 2022.

2. WebMD. “Hip Pain: Causes and Treatment.” WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/hip-pain-causes-and-treatment. Accessed July 2022.

3. OrthoSportsMed. “Hip Conditions.” OrthoSportsMed, https://orthosportsmed.com/category/hip-conditions. Accessed July 2022.

4. OrthoInfo. “Osteoarthritis of the Hip.” OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/osteoarthritis-of-the-hip. Accessed July 2022.

5. MedicineNet. “Hip Pain Symptoms.” MedicineNet, https://www.medicinenet.com/hip_pain/symptoms.htm. Accessed August 2022.

6. Versus Arthritis. “Osteoarthritis.” Versus Arthritis, https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis. Accessed August 2022.

7. Coastal Ortho Team. “Hip Pain: Causes, Treatment and Prevention.” Coastal Ortho Team, https://www.coastalorthoteam.com/blog/hip-pain-causes-treatment-and-prevention. Accessed August 2022.

8. Medical News Today. “Hip Pain When Sitting: Causes and Treatment.” Medical News Today, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hip-pain-when-sitting. Accessed August 2022.

9. Healthline. “Benefits of Flexibility.” Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-flexibility. Accessed August 2022.

10. MedicineNet. “Hip Pain.” MedicineNet, https://www.medicinenet.com/hip_pain/article.htm. Accessed August 2022.