Hip Arthritis
A Degenerative Hip Joint Condition Causing Pain, Stiffness, and Reduced Mobility
Hip arthritis is a degenerative condition that results in the breakdown of the cartilage that cushions your hip joint. As the cartilage wears away, the bones of the hip joint can begin to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Hip arthritis is common in older adults, but it can affect people of all ages. The condition can significantly impact your ability to walk, sit, and perform daily activities, leading to a reduced quality of life if not properly managed.
CAUSES OF HIP ARTHRITIS
Hip arthritis is primarily caused by the gradual wear and tear of the joint over time, but other factors can also contribute to the development of the condition.
The most common causes include:
- Osteoarthritis: The most common form of hip arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the hip joint wears away due to age, overuse, or injury. This leads to pain and stiffness as the bones in the joint rub against each other.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the lining of the joints, leading to inflammation and damage to the cartilage and bones.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: This form of arthritis develops after an injury to the hip, such as a fracture or dislocation, that causes damage to the joint over time.
- Avascular Necrosis: This condition occurs when the blood supply to the ball of the hip joint is disrupted, causing the bone to deteriorate. Over time, avascular necrosis can lead to arthritis in the hip joint.
- Hip Dysplasia: In some cases, a hip joint that is not properly aligned from birth (hip dysplasia) can cause premature wear and tear on the joint, leading to arthritis.
SYMPTOMS OF HIP ARTHRITIS
The symptoms of hip arthritis can develop gradually and worsen over time.
Common symptoms include:
- Hip Pain: Pain is usually felt in the groin, thigh, or buttock, and may worsen with activity, such as walking or standing for long periods.
- Stiffness: You may experience stiffness in your hip joint, particularly in the morning or after sitting for long periods, making it difficult to move your hip or bend over.
- Reduced Range of Motion: As the condition progresses, you may find it increasingly difficult to move your hip, affecting your ability to walk, climb stairs, or perform everyday tasks.
- Grinding or Clicking: You might hear or feel a grinding or clicking sensation in the hip joint as the bones rub together due to the loss of cartilage.
- Pain that Worsens with Activity: Activities such as walking, bending, or even sitting for extended periods can exacerbate the pain and stiffness associated with hip arthritis.
DIAGNOSIS OF HIP ARTHRITIS
To diagnose hip arthritis, Dr Liddell will begin with a thorough physical examination of your hip, assessing your range of motion, strength, and level of discomfort. He will also review your medical history and discuss any symptoms you’ve experienced.
Imaging tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the condition:
- X-Rays: X-rays are the most common imaging test for diagnosing arthritis. They can reveal the narrowing of the joint space, bone spurs, and other changes in the bone structure.
- MRI: If more detailed images of the soft tissues in your hip joint are needed, an MRI may be recommended. This can help assess the extent of cartilage loss and any damage to the surrounding tissues.
HIP ARTHRITIS TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treatment for hip arthritis depends on the severity of the condition and your specific symptoms. Dr Liddell will work with you to create a personalised treatment plan aimed at relieving pain, improving mobility, and slowing the progression of the condition.
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS
For many patients, hip arthritis can be managed with non-surgical treatments. Common Non-Surgical options include:
- Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist can help you strengthen the muscles around your hip, improve flexibility, and maintain range of motion, which can relieve pain and improve function.
- Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation and manage pain associated with hip arthritis.
- Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that aggravate your hip pain, such as prolonged walking or standing, can help reduce symptoms. Your physiotherapist may recommend low-impact exercises, like swimming or cycling, to keep your joint moving without causing further damage.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the stress on your hip joint, easing pain and slowing the progression of arthritis.
- Injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections can be used to relieve pain and inflammation in the hip joint, providing temporary relief for more severe symptoms.
SURGICAL TREATMENTS
If non-surgical treatments are not effective or your hip arthritis is significantly affecting your quality of life, surgery may be required to repair or replace the damaged joint.
Surgical options include:
- Hip Arthroscopy: In cases of early-stage arthritis or joint damage, hip arthroscopy may be used to clean out the joint and repair damaged cartilage. This minimally invasive procedure can help reduce pain and improve joint function.
- Hip Replacement Surgery: For severe arthritis, total hip replacement surgery may be necessary. This involves replacing the damaged hip joint with an artificial implant, restoring mobility and relieving pain.
Managing hip arthritis involves a tailored treatment plan that may help relieve pain, improve mobility, and maintain your quality of life. Whether through physiotherapy, lifestyle adjustments, or surgery, Dr Liddell will work with you to explore treatment options based on your individual needs. The goal is to reduce discomfort and support you in returning to daily activities where possible.