ValleyOrtho’s physician treat a wide range of common hip conditions,
including hip arthritis.
About
The hip joint is configured like a ball-and-socket. The ball is located
at the upper end of the thighbone (femur), the socket is located on the
pelvis (acetabulum), and the labrum is soft tissue that covers the rim
of the acetabulum. Both the ball and socket are covered in joint cartilage
for smooth movement.
Osteoarthritis of the hip results from a progressive breakdown (“wear
and tear”) of the cartilage on the top of the thighbone or the socket
on the pelvis. Gradual loss of this cartilage increases the joint friction,
and in extreme cases allows bone to rub against bone. Some arthritic change
is normal and expected as we age however, more severe hip arthritis can
interfere with activities of daily living and can limit one’s lifestyle.
Causes
While nobody is certain what causes arthritis, several things may contribute
to its development:
Family history
Problems with joint development
Minor repetitive injures
Severe trauma to the joint
While being overweight does not necessarily cause arthritis, it can contribute
to early joint problems that can worsen quickly. Weight loss can often
decrease the pain intensity by decreasing the amount of load placed on the hip.
Symptoms
Hip stiffness and pain in the hip joint, groin and/or thigh from hip arthritis
may be worse during certain times of the day, or after certain activities such as:
Walking
Climbing stairs
Getting in and out of a low chair
Putting on shoes and socks
Walking on uneven surfaces
Sexual activities
Getting in and out of a car
Diagnosis
Diagnosing hip arthritis begins with a thorough physical exam and medical
history. The hip joint experts at ValleyOrtho will examine and measure
hip range of motion and the muscle strength of the hip. Depending on the
findings of the history and exam, imaging tests may be ordered to help
make or confirm the diagnosis.
Treatments
ValleyOrtho’s hip joint specialists utilize the latest research,
technology and techniques to provide the right treatment at the right
time for each patient. Treatment options depend on the severity of the
arthritis and the amount of pain that it is causing. The first line of
treatment at ValleyOrtho often involves methods other than surgery.
Non-Operative Treatment
Some options for nonsurgical treatment of hip arthritis include:
A physical therapy program to optimize the joint and muscle function at the hip
Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medicines
Hip injections to provide temporary pain relief
Use of a cane or crutches to help unload the painful hip
Operative treatment
If non-operative treatments fail and hip pain persists interfering with
daily activities, work and/or sleep, the best option may be a total hip
replacement. In this surgery, the two ends of the hip’s ball-and-socket
joint are replaced with various forms of metal, plastic, and ceramic implants
tailored to each patient’s needs. The artificial joint is designed
to move just like a healthy human joint, relieving pain and restoring
normal function. Physical therapy following total hip replacement will
be recommended to optimize outcomes.
Our orthopedic hip specialists realize that arthritis can have a devastating
effect on one’s lifestyle and interfere with everyday activities.
We are committed to developing complete, customized treatment plans to
accommodate our patient’s individual needs.
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