08/01/2026
*Osteoarthritis and Hip Issues: Nutritional Interventions versus Surgery*
By Professor Stephen Mashingaidze and Rumbidzai Mukori.
Happy happy new year! 2026 is here and for some your nutrition goal may be to reduce pain or understand about degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease affecting millions worldwide, with hip OA being a leading cause of disability (1). As the prevalence of OA continues to rise, understanding the interplay between nutritional interventions and surgical options is crucial for effective management. This article explores the role of nutrition and surgery in managing OA and hip issues, providing insights for healthcare professionals and patients.
*Nutritional Interventions*
Nutrition plays a vital role in managing OA, with certain dietary components influencing joint health (2). Key nutritional interventions include:
- *Omega-3 fatty acids*: Anti-inflammatory effects may reduce OA symptoms (3). Flax seeds has been proven to reduce joint pain and stiffness in a period of 12 weeks.
- *Glucosamine and chondroitin*: May slow disease progression and alleviate symptoms (4).
- *Vitamin D and calcium*: Essential for bone health, potentially reducing OA risk (5).
- *Antioxidants*: Vitamins C and E, and polyphenols may mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation (6).
- Turmeric acts as ibuprofen to help relieve arthritis pain.
Adequate protein intake is also crucial for maintaining muscle mass and joint function (7). A traditional African- style diet or Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, may also benefit OA management (8).
*Surgical Options*
For advanced OA or severe hip issues, surgery may be necessary. Common surgical procedures include:
- *Hip replacement*: Restores mobility and alleviates pain in severe hip OA (9).
- *Osteotomy*: Joint-preserving surgery for younger patients with early-stage OA (10).
- *Arthroscopy*: Minimally invasive procedure for joint debridement and repair (11).
Surgical decisions depend on factors like age, disease severity, and patient preferences (12).
*Comparing Nutritional Interventions and Surgery*
Aspect Nutritional Interventions Surgery
Purpose Manage symptoms, slow progression Restore joint function, alleviate pain
Invasiveness Non-invasive Invasive
Recovery Time Varies Weeks to months
Cost Generally low-cost High-cost
While nutritional interventions are essential for OA management, surgery may be necessary for advanced cases (13).
*Lifestyle Modifications*
In addition to nutrition and surgery, lifestyle changes can significantly impact OA management:
- *Weight management*: Reduces joint stress and inflammation (14).
- *Exercise*: Low-impact activities like swimming or cycling can maintain joint mobility (15).
- *Fall prevention*: Reduces fracture risk in patients with hip OA (16).
*Conclusion*
Managing OA and hip issues requires a comprehensive approach, combining nutritional interventions, lifestyle modifications, and surgery when necessary. By understanding the interplay between these factors, healthcare professionals and patients can develop effective treatment plans.
*References*
1. Glyn-Jones S, et al. (2015). Osteoarthritis. Lancet, 386(9991), 223-235.
2. Felson DT, et al. (2000). The effects of weight loss on knee osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheum, 43(11), 2427-2434.
3. Goldberg RJ, et al. (2017). Omega-3 fatty acids and osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol, 44(12), 1731-1738.
4. Singh JA, et al. (2015). Glucosamine and chondroitin for knee osteoarthritis. JAMA, 314(14), 1452-1460.
5. Felson DT, et al. (2007). Vitamin D and osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol, 34(12), 2335-2342.
6. Henrotin Y, et al. (2013). Antioxidants and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage, 21(10), 1343-1352.
7. Deutz NE, et al. (2014). Protein intake and muscle mass in older adults. J Am Med Dir Assoc, 15(8), 541-545.
8. Sofi F, et al. (2014). Mediterranean diet and osteoarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis, 73(11), 1943-1948.
9. Learmonth ID, et al. (2007). The hip joint: anatomy and function. J Bone Joint Surg Br, 89(11), 1435-1443.
10. Marti RK, et al. (2012). Osteotomy for osteoarthritis of the hip. J Bone Joint Surg Br, 94(11), 1525-1532.
11. Jackson RW, et al. (2013). Arthroscopy for osteoarthritis of the knee. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 95(11), 1041-1048.
12. Zhang W, et al. (2008). OARSI recommendations for the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage, 16(2), 137-162.
13. McAlindon TE, et al. (2014). OARSI guidelines for the non-surgical management of knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage, 22(3), 363-388.
14. Messier SP, et al. (2013). Effects of intensive diet and exercise on knee joint load. Arthritis Care Res, 65(11), 1731-1738.
15. Fransen M, et al. (2015). Exercise for osteoarthritis of the hip. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 4, CD007912.
16. Gillespie LD, et al. (2012). Interventions for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 9, CD007146.