Hip Arthritis

Are you experiencing pain in your hip and wondering if it’s arthritis? Then follow along as we explore the different types of hip arthritis, their symptoms, and risk factors.

Contact the experts at Precision Orthopaedic Specialities in Northeastern Ohio today to receive the quality care you’ve been looking for!

Topic at a Glance

Hip arthritis develops when the joint becomes inflamed or its protective cartilage deteriorates, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Symptoms may include pain in the groin, outer thigh, or buttocks, along with difficulty walking, bending, or moving the hip.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of arthritis and may include physical therapy, medication, corticosteroid injections, or surgery.
At Precision Orthopaedic Specialties, we evaluate hip arthritis and develop personalized treatment plans, including hip replacement when joint damage significantly affects daily activities.

What is Hip Arthritis?

Hip arthritis refers to inflammation of the hip joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint where the femoral head (the “ball”) fits into the hip socket (the “socket”).

Arthritis in the hip can damage the cartilage, which normally cushions the joint and allows smooth movement. When the cartilage wears away, the bones of the hip rub together, causing discomfort and stiffness. This condition is often referred to as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis of the hip.

Our Specialties

What Are the Different Types of Hip Arthritis?

There are several types of arthritis that can affect the hip:

Osteoarthritis (OA): The most common form of hip arthritis, osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage in the hip joint gradually breaks down. This leads to pain and stiffness, particularly in the outer thigh and groin areas.
Psoriatic Arthritis: A type of inflammatory arthritis that can develop in individuals with psoriasis, an autoimmune condition. Psoriatic arthritis in the hip can cause similar symptoms to osteoarthritis, though it may also affect other joints and tendons.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis: This form of arthritis can develop after an injury to the hip, such as a fracture or dislocation. Over time, the joint may deteriorate, leading to arthritic pain.
Autoimmune Diseases: While Precision Orthopaedic Specialties does not treat rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diseases like lupus and other conditions can cause inflammation in the hip joint, leading to discomfort.

What Are the Symptoms of Hip Arthritis?

Hip arthritis often begins with mild discomfort that progresses over time. Common symptoms include:

Hip Pain: This can occur in the groin, outer thigh, or buttocks and may worsen with physical activity.
Stiffness: Many individuals with an arthritic hip find it difficult to move their hip joint freely, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
Reduced Range of Motion: As the disease progresses, the ability to move the hip joint, especially for activities like walking or bending, becomes increasingly limited.
Pain at Rest: In severe cases, individuals may experience hip pain even when resting or sleeping.
Bone Spurs: As the cartilage wears away, the body may produce extra bone to compensate, leading to painful bone spurs in the hip joint.

What Are the Risk Factors for Hip Arthritis?

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis or other forms of hip arthritis:

Age: As people age, the cartilage in their joints naturally begins to break down, making them more susceptible to arthritis.
Genetics: A family history of osteoarthritis can raise your risk of developing hip osteoarthritis.
Injuries: Previous hip injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, increase the risk of developing arthritis later in life.
Obesity: Carrying extra weight puts additional stress on the hip joint, increasing the likelihood of arthritis.
Gender: Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the hip than men.
Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like psoriasis can lead to psoriatic arthritis, affecting the hip joint.

How is Arthritis of the Hip Diagnosed?

Diagnosing hip arthritis begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. During the exam, your physician may ask about the onset and severity of your hip pain, check your range of motion, and look for signs of swelling or bone spurs around the hip.

Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, may be used to confirm the presence of arthritis, assess the extent of cartilage loss, and check for any bone spurs in the joint. In some cases, an MRI may be ordered to provide a more detailed view of the soft tissues and cartilage in the hip.

Treatments for Hip Arthritis

For individuals with hip arthritis, treatment options range from conservative approaches to more invasive procedures, depending on the severity of the condition.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Many patients with mild to moderate hip arthritis find relief with non-invasive treatments such as:

Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the hip joint and improve flexibility. This reduces the strain on the hip and helps maintain mobility.
Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help manage symptoms.
Injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from pain.

Surgical Treatments

If non-surgical treatments are not effective, surgery may be necessary. Options include:

Hip Resurfacing: This procedure involves reshaping and capping the surfaces of the hip joint, rather than replacing it entirely.
Total Hip Replacement: In severe cases, a total hip replacement may be recommended. This involves removing the damaged femoral head and replacing it with a prosthetic, restoring movement and eliminating pain in the affected hip.

Take the Next Step Towards Pain Relief

If you’re experiencing hip pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility due to arthritis, it’s time to take action. At Precision Orthopaedic Specialties, with locations in Chardon, Chagrin Falls, Middlefield, and Geneva, Ohio, our experienced team is ready to help you find relief.

Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free hip!

Medically reviewed by Kraig K. Solak, D.O.

FAQs About Hip Arthritis

What causes hip arthritis?

Hip arthritis can develop as cartilage wears down with age or after a hip injury. Osteoarthritis is the most common type, but inflammatory conditions such as psoriatic arthritis can also affect the hip joint.

What are the symptoms of hip arthritis?

Common symptoms include pain in the groin, outer thigh, or buttocks, stiffness after rest, and reduced range of motion. As the condition progresses, pain may also occur during rest or sleep.

How is hip arthritis diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a medical history, physical examination, and assessment of hip movement. X-rays can help identify joint changes and bone spurs, while an MRI may be recommended in certain cases for additional detail.

What treatments are available for hip arthritis?

Nonsurgical treatments may include physical therapy, pain-relieving medication, and corticosteroid injections. If symptoms remain severe despite conservative care, procedures such as hip resurfacing or total hip replacement may be considered.

When should I see an orthopaedic specialist for hip arthritis?

Consider seeing a specialist if hip pain, stiffness, or limited movement interferes with walking, sleeping, or everyday activities. At Precision Orthopaedic Specialties, our team can evaluate your symptoms and discuss treatment options.