Hip Arthritis

What is hip arthritis, and how is it treated?

Perhaps you have been feeling hip pain recently and wonder if it could be arthritis. Did you know that there are many different types of arthritis?

Our board-certified surgeons at OrthoNeuro have helped thousands by diagnosing and treating arthritis with the latest non-surgical and surgical procedures.

If this sounds appealing to you, schedule an appointment with us today! We have 7 offices located throughout the Greater Columbus area to serve you.

What Is Hip Arthritis?

Hip arthritis is cartilage damage that occurs within your hip joint. As your cartilage wears down, this bone-on-bone rubbing can be quite painful.

This friction can also lead to reduced joint space, stiffness, and bone spurs.

Like your shoulder, your hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball sits at the top of your femoral head (thigh bone) and is separated from your acetabulum (hip socket) by cartilage.

Your cartilage is a cushion between the ball and socket, allowing the ball to slide and rotate fluidly as your leg moves.

Like other forms of arthritis, arthritis of the hip is also a progressive disorder that worsens over time, affecting your mobility.

Types of Hip Arthritis

There are several different types of arthritis that can affect your hip. The main types can be found below.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis means “arthritis of the bone.” It is a degenerative joint disease that causes inflammation and damage to your hip joint.

It is the most common form of arthritis and will sometimes present itself in just one hip. Osteoarthritis of the hip typically results from progressive wear and tear on the joints.

Other factors that can cause your cartilage to wear away, prematurely increasing your risk of developing hip osteoarthritis, include:

Hip dysplasia
Femoroacetabular impingement
Irregular bone shape
Obesity
Previous injury to the hip

Interestingly, it is possible to develop osteoarthritis of the hip even without experiencing these risk factors.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disorder that affects your entire body, including your hip joint.

Unlike osteoarthritis, this inflammation is related to the immune system attacking healthy tissue within your joints, rather than progressive wear and tear.

Generally, rheumatoid arthritis causes your synovial lining (a unique capsule that helps your joint move smoothly) to swell.

This swelling results in pain in one or both hips, and eventual deterioration of cartilage and bone.

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect people of all ages, including children. This condition is also more commonly found in women than in men.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joint, which is the joint that connects your spine to your pelvis. It can trickle down into your hip joint.

This inflammation can occur in people of all ages, including children. Typically, it is more common in men than women.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (also known as lupus) is a systemic autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and damage to your hip joint.

While lupus can occur in people of all ages, it is most common in women aged 15 to 35.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is linked to a skin condition called psoriasis (red scaly patches) and can cause swelling, joint pain, and stiffness.

Typically, most people with psoriatic arthritis have psoriasis. However, it is possible to develop psoriatic arthritis prior to having psoriasis.

Signs of Hip Arthritis

Despite the varying types of arthritis, they can all have the same signs, including:

Pain in your hip joint that may also encompass your buttocks, groin, or outer thigh
Difficulty walking
Tenderness
Joint stiffness when you sit or stand
Pain that increases as you participate in vigorous or extended activities
Limited range of motion
Audible clicking sounds when moving your hip

How Is Hip Arthritis Diagnosed?

An accurate diagnosis of your arthritis can help to pinpoint your specific type of arthritis.

During your diagnostic evaluation, your OrthoNeuro specialist will thoroughly review your medical history and complete a physical examination.

Treatment Options for Hip Arthritis

Your specialist will prescribe a treatment plan that can provide pain relief. It will also be tailored to your specific needs and adjusted according to your age, overall health, and goals.

Nonsurgical Treatments for Hip Arthritis

Some non-surgical treatment methods for arthritis of the hip include:

Anti-inflammatory medications
Lifestyle modifications
Physical therapy
New categories of drugs such as symptom-modifying antirheumatic drugs (SMARDs) and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Canes and/or walkers
Maintaining a healthy weight
Corticosteroid injections

Surgical Treatments for Hip Arthritis

Hip surgery may be recommended to help to reduce your pain and improve your ability to perform everyday tasks more freely.

These surgical treatments for hip arthritis include:

Hip arthroscopy
Total hip replacement (arthroplasty) if the hip joint is severely damaged

Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis of the hip, regardless of the type. However, on a positive note, there are effective ways to treat the symptoms and pain.

Our skilled experts at OrthoNeuro in Columbus, OH have many years of experience treating hip arthritis. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Hip Specialist Today!

If you have been suffering the symptoms of hip arthritis, schedule an appointment with one of our Board Certified Orthopedic Hip Specialists at one of our 7 convenient locations throughout Greater Columbus.

We will evaluate your unique lifestyle and goals to determine which type of treatment is best for you. Best of all, most patients can be seen within 24 hours of making an appointment.

Medically reviewed by

Mark T. Kolich, DO

Related Services

Hip Specialists

IF YOU HAVE SEVERE OR PERSISTENT HIP PAIN THAT INTERFERES WITH YOUR LIFE, CALL ORTHONEURO OR SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION ONLINE TODAY. OUR ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS PROVIDE STATE-OF-THE-ART DIAGNOSIS AND PERSONALIZED TREATMENT.