Are you experiencing hip pain that may be caused by hip arthritis?

Ranked High Performing by U.S. News & World Report for Hip Replacements 2023-2024

What is Hip Arthritis?

Hip arthritis is a common condition that causes problems with the function of the hip joint as well as hip pain and stiffness. Hip arthritis is a loss of cartilage that impacts hip movement and mobility. When cartilage is damaged or lost, bone rubs on bone which causes pain, tenderness and swelling or inflammation. All of this affects your ability to do the things you love – including daily activities.

Symptoms of Hip Arthritis:

The most common place patients feel pain from hip arthritis is in your groin or buttock area. Below is a list of other symptoms commonly associated with hip arthritis.

• Inflammation of the hip joint
• Pain in the groin, buttock, thigh or knee
• Lack of mobility or difficulty performing daily tasks (Tying shoes, putting on socks, or rising from a chair)
• Uneven leg length
• Difficulty walking or limping (decreased range of motion)
• Locking or sticking of the joint and a grinding noise
• Loss of articular cartilage

Causes of Hip Arthritis:

Arthritis of the hip typically occurs in older patients (60 years old or more) and can vary depending on weight and activity level as well as previous injuries or trauma involving the hip. Since arthritis typically affects weight-bearing joints, patients who are obese may have a higher chance of getting arthritis given the strain on the joint due to added weight.

Types of Hip Arthritis Include:

• Osteoarthritis: Often occurs in weight-bearing joints such as the hip and can cause hip pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis can worsen over time so starting treatment early is recommended.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Is a chronic inflammatory disorder which is caused by the immune system attacking healthy tissue, such as the lining of your hip joint, causing painful swelling that can lead to bone erosion and joint deformity.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: Is an inflammatory disease that can lead to fusion of the spinal joints (vertebrae), chronic pain and discomfort. It can also cause inflammation pain and stiffness in other joints such as the hip.
• Psoriatic arthritis: Is a type of inflammatory arthritis which causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
• Inflammatory Arthritis: Is caused by an overactive immune system and typically affects multiple joints at the same time.

Non-Surgical or Conservative Treatments:

Non-surgical treatments that can relieve hip pain caused from arthritis include:

• Weight loss
• Physical Therapy
• Medication
  • Acetaminophen (over the counter pain reliever)
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs – Ibuprofen or naproxen)
  • Corticosteroids or cortisone
• Image-guided Steroid Injections
• Biologic Treatments
  • Hydraulic Acid / Viscosupplementation Injection (Not FDA-Approved)
  • Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
  • Stem Cell Injections
  • Check with your doctor to determine what approved options are recommended and available.
• Switching to lower impact activities and avoiding activities that aggravate the condition, such as climbing stairs

Surgical Treatments Performed:

If you have exhausted non-surgical treatments and continue to have hip pain, it may be time to consider hip replacement surgery. There are several things to consider with hip replacement surgery from the type of implant to the surgical approach (anterior or posterior approach). Schedule a consult today with one of our expert hip surgeons to determine the best treatment option for your specific case.

What to expect from Hip Replacement Surgery / Hip Arthroplasty

If these non-surgical treatments have not provided complete relief, surgery to open the tunnel and make more room for the tendons

• Pre-Op
  • Pre-Op Hip Replacement Class
  • Routine Physical
  • Lab Work
• In-patient surgery with an Overnight stay
• Home Physical Therapy: 3 times per week for 2 weeks
• Plan on using a crutch, walker or cane for 1-2 weeks post-operatively
• Avoid crossing your legs or driving immediately after hip surgery
• Progressive activity
• No high impact activity for 6-12 weeks post-op
• Post-op rehabilitation

Find a Hip Surgeon

Our Board-Certified, fellowship-trained hip surgeons are experts at treating hip arthritis. Hoag Orthopedic Institute is ranked high performing by U.S. News & World Report for Hip Replacement and Hip Fracture in 2023-2024. Seeking treatment early for hip arthritis can help alleviate your hip pain and get you back to doing the things you enjoy sooner.

Contact Hoag Orthopedic Institute today to schedule a consultation with one of our hip doctors.