Hip arthritis is one of the most common causes of pain in the hip. It is a progressive disorder, which means that it typically starts gradually and gets worse with time. In fact, the term arthritis literally means “inflammation of the joint”. Hip arthritis tends to run in families. It also tends to develop as people grow older but can still occur in young people as the result of an injury or, from overuse of a joint at work or, through playing sport. Hip arthritis can also develop after trauma or from childhood hip problems.
Osteoarthritis, which means “arthritis of the bone” is the most common type of hip arthritis and is often described as the result of wear and tear on the joints, which explains why it is more common in older, than younger people. All joints may be affected by Osteoarthritis, but it is often more painful in the weight bearing joints, such as the hip, the spine and the knee joints.
Causes of hip osteoarthritis
The hip joint consists of the ball-shaped end of the thigh bone (femoral head) which fits into the hip socket (acetabular socket). The inside of this ball-and-socket joint is lined with smooth cartilage to help the joint move easily. With an osteoarthritic hip, the cartilage covering the end of the bones gradually wears away, resulting in painful, bone-on-bone rubbing. Abnormal bone growths, called spurs or osteophytes can also grow in the joint and these bone spurs add to the pain and swelling, whilst disrupting movement.
Symptoms of hip osteoarthritis
The most notable sign of osteoarthritis is moderate to severe pain, often in the groin and in the side of the hip which radiates to the knee. Other symptoms include stiffness and limping and the affected leg may sometimes even feel shorter. These symptoms of hip arthritis can come and go and can even change with changes in the weather.
Diagnosing hip osteoarthritis
To diagnose hip osteoarthritis, Dr Singh will go through all your medical history, followed by a physical examination. Your medical history is compiled by asking you questions about your hip pain, any medications you may be taking, and prior injury and other bone and joint problems you may have. The physical examination will evaluate your range of motion and Dr Singh will observe how you walk, sit, bend, and move which all assist with your assessment and diagnosis.
Further testing may be required including x-ray’s, blood tests, or an MRI.
Many conditions can cause hip pain, so a correct diagnosis in consultation with Dr Singh is critical in determining the best treatment option for you.
Treating hip osteoarthritis
Treatment of hip arthritis usually starts with simple measures such as the use of a walking stick, hip strengthening exercises, physiotherapy and weight loss. Your General Practitioner may recommend joint supplements as a suitable first step for you, as well as prescription arthritis tablets called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID’s).
If your pain, however, is no longer being relieved by the nonsurgical treatments, is occurring frequently, is interfering with your day-to-day activities, and reducing your overall quality of life, it may be time for you to consider total hip replacement surgery.
