How to manage avascular necrosis of the femoral head in daily life
Dec 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
Daily care for avascular necrosis of the femoral head involves weight control, avoiding weight-bearing activities, engaging in appropriate exercise, taking medications as prescribed, and maintaining a balanced diet. If symptoms such as persistent hip joint pain or limited mobility occur, prompt medical evaluation is necessary. Excess body weight increases pressure on the femoral head, accelerating bone damage; therefore, maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise is essential.
Necrosis of the femoral head requires daily care including weight control, avoiding weight-bearing, appropriate exercise, standardized medication use, and a balanced diet. If symptoms such as persistent hip joint pain or limited mobility occur, timely medical evaluation is necessary.
1. Weight control: Excess body weight increases pressure on the femoral head, accelerating bone damage. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise helps reduce stress on the hip joint and slows disease progression.
2. Avoid weight-bearing: Minimize prolonged standing, walking, and strenuous activities. Use assistive devices like crutches when necessary to reduce stress on the femoral head and create favorable conditions for bone repair.
3. Appropriate exercise: Choose low-impact activities such as swimming and cycling to strengthen muscles around the hip joint, improve local blood circulation, and prevent muscle atrophy caused by prolonged inactivity.
4. Standardized medication: Take medications as prescribed to improve circulation and promote bone healing. Avoid self-administering drugs like corticosteroids that may worsen the condition. Regular follow-up visits are essential to adjust treatment plans.
5. Balanced diet: Increase intake of foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, protein, and vitamin D—such as milk, fish, shrimp, and soy products—to support bone nutrition. Avoid high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt diets that may impair metabolism.
Daily care should also include keeping the hip joint warm to prevent cold-induced vasoconstriction, maintaining regular sleep patterns, avoiding late nights, and reducing unhealthy habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Scientific self-care practices can help manage the condition and improve quality of life.
