Arthritis of the Hip
Arthritis usually strikes one or more joints in individuals over age 50 and is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Arthritis can impact many areas of the body including the hips.
What is hip arthritis?
Hip arthritis is cartilage damage in the hip joint and is a common condition that can be painful and worsen over time, affecting your mobility and quality of life.
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint separated by cartilage at the top of the thighbone. The cartilage acts as slippery buffer between the ball and sock and allows the ball to rotate smoothly when the legs move while also providing stability to the joint. When the cartilage in the hip is damaged, it can cause friction between the bones, pain and stiffness when moving, and can also lead to bone spurs.
There are several types of hip arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis. The cause of hip arthritis varies depending on the type, though the most common cause is age-related wear and tear in the hip joint.
What are the symptoms, and how is it treated?
The most common symptom associated with hip arthritis is pain in or near the hip that usually increases with joint use. Other symptoms include stiffness in the hip; crepitus (an audible cracking or clicking sound when moving); and weakness in the hip.
To diagnose arthritis in your hips, our orthopaedists will gather your medical history and perform a physical exam. X-rays can determine cartilage loss and show bone spurs and cysts, which develop due to osteoarthritis.
Treatment of hip arthritis varies depending on the patient's age, severity of the pain, and type and stage of arthritis. Our hip specialists often recommend non-surgical treatments first to address hip arthritis pain, including anti-inflammatory medications, activity and lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, heating pad, walking aids such as a cane, and injections, including platelet-rich plasma injections.
If these strategies fail, surgery is an option, including hip fusions — where the joints no longer move — and hip replacement surgery. Discuss your condition with your physician to determine which procedure might be appropriate for your needs.
Dependable Orthopaedic Surgeons
Whether you’re concerned about hip arthritis, or are in search of other orthopaedic services, schedule an appointment with one of our orthopaedic specialists at one of our seven convenient locations throughout the Triangle.