Avascular necrosis of the hip, early stage: protecting the hip

How to use this sheet. In avascular necrosis, part of the ball of the hip joint has lost its blood supply. While that bone is weak it can flatten under load, so the aim is to take weight off the hip and keep it moving and strong without impact. Use the stick or crutches, with only the weight we have allowed. Keep fit with static cycling, and with swimming or walking in water if you can swim. It often affects both hips, so we may check the other hip too. Avoid: running, jumping, lifting heavy weights, and long walks or long periods of standing. Avoid squatting, sitting on the floor or using an Indian toilet until we have told you it is safe. Stop alcohol, and do not take steroid medicines, including injections or tablets from a chemist, unless a doctor prescribes them. If you have sickle cell disease, drink plenty of water and keep to the treatment your sickle-cell doctors advise. After a core decompression operation: follow the weight bearing we gave you after the operation.