Hip arthritis is a painful condition that usually affects people over fifty years of age. Several types of arthritis can affect the hip joint, but they all leave the sufferer with similar symptoms that can have a major impact on their daily lives.
Luckily, help is on hand, and there are many things to do to minimize the impact of this condition. In this post, we will take a quick look at what causes hip arthritis and what can be done to provide relief if you develop symptoms.
Causes
Hip arthritis usually occurs when there is wear and tear on the cartilage of the joint. Unsurprisingly, this means that older people are more likely to suffer from it. However, age is just one of the causes of hip arthritis. It can sometimes be caused by your lifestyle. Other causes include:
- Being overweight or obese
- History of hip injuries
- Muscle weakness or imbalances
- Defects in the joints due to growth or genetic factors
- Excessive strain from playing sports over a prolonged period
- Autoimmune disorders
Symptoms
The first symptom will be a pain, but this may be present in other areas such as the knee or the groin. Therefore, if you notice any pain, you should rest and get checked out. The pain will come and go, but if you notice that it continues for a prolonged period and is accompanied by some of the symptoms listed below, you should get checked out immediately.
Other symptoms include:
- Hip stiffness that is worse in the morning
- Problems with the range of movement within the hip joint
- Swelling
- Weakness (especially after performing certain movements like squats or climbing the stairs)
Diagnosis
At the initial appointment, your physician will take a detailed history and then carry out an examination of the affected joint. They will test your range of motion and check for any pain associated with specific movements. If your physician suspects arthritis, they will order a scan to confirm their initial suspicions.
Treatment Options
If you are diagnosed with arthritis, the initial goal of any treatment will be to reduce your pain and increase your range of movement. Your doctor will advise you on your diet—especially if you are overweight, as less weight will put less strain on the hips.
You are likely to spend some time in physical therapy to help with your movement. The therapist will provide you with stretches and ways to strengthen the joint. They may also suggest activity modifications so that you are able to remain as active as possible.
Anti-inflammatory medicine and supplements may be prescribed, as they can help to reduce the pain. Generally, these conservative methods will help you maintain an active lifestyle, but if your symptoms get worse, your doctor may recommend surgical intervention.
Treatments such as hip replacements or hip resurfacing can significantly help improve a patient’s quality of life, but these are only considered if all other potential treatments have failed.
Colorado Center for Orthopaedic Excellence 