Hip osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that develops over time as the cartilage and bone in the joints gradually break down. In simpler terms, this is the “wear and tear” of your hip joints over time. It is a common condition that often affects people as they get older, however it can happen at any age. This article provides an overview of hip osteoarthritis, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, where bone and cartilage in the joint break down over time causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Factors that can make you more likely to develop osteoarthritis include:

• Age
• Weight
• Injury or overuse
• Genetics

There are various types of hip arthritis, with osteoarthritis being most common. 

• Osteoarthritis: General wear and tear of the cartilage and bone in the hip joints, sometimes runs in families. 
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own hip joints, leading to inflammation.
• Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Arthritis that can develop after an injury to the hip, potentially causing joint damage over time.

When it comes to what causes hip osteoarthritis to flare up, stiffness is the most common symptom. It can make everyday tasks, such as putting on shoes and socks, difficult, and is typically worse when you first wake up. Hip pain, particularly in the groin area, is another common symptom. You may feel pain when standing up to get out of a chair, but feel relief after walking for a few minutes. The discomfort may also radiate down the front of the thigh to the knee or affect the buttocks. Limited range of motion and difficulty moving the hip joint are also typical characteristics of osteoarthritis.

Diagnosing hip osteoarthritis involves a combination of factors.

• Medical History: A family history of arthritis increases your likelihood of developing the condition, making your personal medical history an important factor in diagnosis.
• Physical Examination: A reduced range of motion in the hip is a common indicator of osteoarthritis, so your physician will assess your mobility in the hip joint.
• X-Rays: X-ray imaging of the hip is often used to confirm the diagnosis, as it clearly reveals the cartilage and bone deterioration within the hip joint.

There are various treatment options available for hip osteoarthritis ranging from conservative treatment to surgery.

• Activity Modification and Stretching: Staying active and maintaining flexibility are important for managing hip osteoarthritis. This can be done through physical therapy, at-home exercising, or low impact activities such as swimming or bicycling.
• Medication: Pain relievers such as Tylenol, and anti-inflammatory medications like Motrin, Advil, or Aleve, are commonly used to manage arthritis pain. Anti-inflammatories are particularly effective, as they reduce the inflammation around the joint, which is a key factor in arthritis pain.
• Injections: Cortisone injections are used to inject an anti-inflammatory medication directly into the hip joint in order to relieve pain. 
• Hip Replacement Surgery: If conservative treatment has failed, and the pain still prevents you from doing your everyday activities, it may be time to consider a hip replacement surgery.  

Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing hip osteoarthritis include:

• Inflammatory or Rheumatological Diseases: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis can cause the hip joints to deteriorate more quickly.
• Family History: Genetic factors, such as family history of arthritis or joint disease increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
• Congenital Abnormalities: Some people are born with hip abnormalities that may require joint replacement at a younger age.
• Other Conditions: Diseases such as sickle cell disease or chemotherapy treatments for cancer can also lead to hip joint damage.

While some individuals may be genetically predisposed to osteoarthritis, there are steps that can be taken to slow its progression. 

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding smoking
• Staying active and limber

If you are experiencing hip pain and stiffness or difficulty with daily activities, it may be time to consult a physician. Our joint replacement specialists at Seaview Orthopaedics can develop a comprehensive treatment plan to help you get back to doing the things you love.  Book an appointment online with one of our expert surgeons at any of our six office locations or give us a call at 732-660-6200.