Healthy Hips Week may have already passed, which was celebrated last April 1-7, 2019, but having healthy hips should still always be a top priotity. So even though late, let's still talk about and create awareness for this campaign.
First of all, Healthy Hips Week is a campaign championed by Health Hips Australia, a not-for-profit organisation supporting people impacted by hip dysplasia or developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Founded by occupational therapist Sarah Twomey, aims to increase the availability and accessibility of resources, education and support for people working with and impacted by hip dysplasia.
Healthy Hips Week aims to unite people who have hip dysplasia, as well as raise awareness and urgent funds for support services. Another objective is to put hip dysplasia on the national agenda depends by having passionate people volunteering their time, talking about their experiences and supporting Healthy Hips Australia through fundraising.
What is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia (also known as developmental dysplasia of the hip, or DDH) is an abnormality of the hip joint where the socket portion does not fully cover the ball portion, resulting in an increased risk for joint dislocation. It affects one in 20 newborn babies, and is the most common cause of hip arthritis in adults. It can stem from improper swaddling techniques, as well as family history, congenital disorders and deformities, or breach presentations.
Hip Dysplasia Symptoms
- Having one leg longer than the other
- Walking on tippy toes
- Limping
- Hard to spread legs apart
- Clicking in the hip
- Uneven creases in the thigh or buttock
Healthy Hips Australia has created an infographic that clearly outlines DDH, its signs, symptoms, and other top tips and information.
Tips for Healthy Hips
If you have DDH or know someone who does, you should speak with a medical professional who can advise on treatments.
If you don't have DDH, there are several things you can do to keep your hips healthy, strong and flexible. Such as:
- Yoga
- Physiotherapy
- Chiropractic
- Occupational therapy
- Exercises such as overhead squats, dead lifts, lunges and hip thrusts
- Stretches such as the hip rotation stretch and leg raises
- Staying mobile and regularly stretching your hips throughout your lifetime
Get Involved in Healthy Hips Week
If you'd like to take part in Healthy Hips Week, check out the Healthy Hips Australia website. You'll find instructions for hosting an event, as well as things you can do to raise awareness of hip dysplasia. You can also make a donation.
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