Hip Preservation: What It Is and How Medications Play a Role

When we talk about hip preservation, a strategy to maintain hip function and delay or avoid joint replacement surgery. Also known as non-replacement hip care, it’s not just about physical therapy or exercise—it’s deeply tied to how you manage pain, inflammation, and bone health with medication. Many people assume hip preservation only means avoiding surgery, but the truth is, the right drugs can slow down joint damage, reduce pain enough to stay active, and even protect bone density before things get worse.

Take NSAIDs, a class of pain relievers commonly used for joint inflammation. Also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, they’re often the first line of defense for hip pain caused by arthritis or labral tears. But not all NSAIDs are the same—some, like etodolac, may be easier on the stomach than others, while long-term use can raise risks for kidney issues or bleeding. Then there’s osteoporosis medication, drugs like risedronate (Actonel) that help keep bones strong. Also known as bisphosphonates, these are critical for older adults or those with low bone density, because weak bones around the hip can lead to fractures even from minor falls. And if you’re taking these, you need to know how food, timing, and other meds affect absorption—just like with levothyroxine, where a simple coffee or calcium supplement can ruin the effect.

But it’s not just about what helps—it’s also about what hurts. Some medications cause orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up. Also known as dizziness on standing, this side effect is common with antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, and even some ED pills. If you feel lightheaded getting out of bed or standing up from a chair, you’re not just being clumsy—you might be at higher risk for a fall that could shatter your hip. That’s why tracking medication side effects, especially in older adults, isn’t optional—it’s part of hip preservation.

And let’s not forget the hidden connections. If you’re on long-term steroids for autoimmune conditions, your bones thin out. If you’re taking SSRIs for depression, your sodium levels can dip, making you unsteady. Even something as simple as alcohol mixing with pain meds can increase your fall risk. Hip preservation isn’t a single treatment—it’s a web of choices. It’s knowing when to switch from one NSAID to another, when to push for a bone density scan, when to question a new prescription that might make you dizzy, and how to document every warning on your medication list.

Below, you’ll find real, practical guides on the drugs that support hip health—and the ones that quietly put you at risk. From how to take Actonel safely, to why some people react differently to generics, to how to avoid falls from medication side effects—this collection gives you the tools to protect your hips before you need a replacement.