Hip Arthritis

What is Hip Arthritis?

Arthritis is a degenerative condition where the cartilage lining the joints wears out. Cartilage normally serves as a low-friction cushioning that covers the ends of bones. In arthritis, this surface becomes damaged and starts to wear out. When the cartilage wears out, the bone ends rub on one another and cause pain. This condition is referred to as Osteoarthritis or “wear and tear” arthritis, as it occurs with aging and use. It is the most common type of arthritis.

Causes of Hip Arthritis

There are numerous conditions that can cause arthritis but often the exact cause is never known.

The causes include:

• Trauma (fracture)
• Auto-immune (rheumatoid arthritis)
• Increased stress such as overuse and overweight
• Inactive lifestyle and obesity (overweight). Your weight is the single most important link between diet and arthritis, as being overweight puts an additional burden on your hips, knees, ankles and feet.

This article will focus on Osteoarthritis or “wear and tear arthritis” which is the most common type.

Symptoms of Hip Arthritis

The primary symptoms of hip osteoarthritis are pain in the groin, thigh, stiffness, and limited range of motion. In the early stages of osteoarthritis the pain is associated with increased activity such as prolonged walking, kneeling, and going up and down stairs. Often times patients complain about difficulty or inability to put on socks and shoes. As the cartilage wears away, pain can become more severe and constant, interfering with regular daily activities and disrupting sleep.

Diagnosis of Hip Arthritis

Doctors diagnose osteoarthritis with a medical history, physical exam and x-rays of the affected joint. During the physical examination your doctor will examine the affected joint for swelling, pain, tenderness, and assess the joint’s range of motion. An X-ray of the hip may show a loss of the joint space and bone spur formation.
There is no blood test for osteoarthritis.

(Left) In this x-ray of a normal hip, the space between the ball and socket indicates healthy cartilage. (Right) This x-ray of an arthritic hip shows severe loss of joint space and bone spurs.
Source: Orthoinfo

Treatment of Hip Arthritis

There is no known cure for osteoarthritis; however there are several options that can help you ease your pain and symptoms. The treatment of hip osteoarthritis can be categorized as non-surgical and surgical.

Non-Surgical

Behavioral and lifestyle changes including losing weight and avoiding painful activities and routines can be effective in relieving pain. Oral pain medication such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen can provide relief from pain. Consult with your primary care physician or orthopedic surgeon prior to starting any medications. Physical therapy can improve muscle strength and range of motion, reducing the symptoms of arthritis. Cortisone injections can help to reduce the pain and the swelling of the joint. The non-surgical treatment can be effective but it is unpredictable and only lasts for a short period of time.

Surgical

When non-surgical treatment is no longer effective and patients are looking for a more permanent solution, hip replacement surgery is the most reliable surgical solution in treating arthritis of the hip. The anterior approach to hip replacement is a minimally invasive technique allowing for a quicker recovery and rehabilitation.