Skip to main content

What Is Hip Osteoarthritis?

What Is Hip Osteoarthritis?

The hip is one of the most important joints in the body. Its primary purpose is to bear and support the weight of the body during physical activity.

A two-part “ball and socket” joint, the hip is the connection between the thighbone and the pelvis. The pelvic bone forms the socket, called the acetabulum, and the tip of the thighbone forms the ball, called the femoral head. Ligaments — bands of tissue — connect the ball to the socket. This creates the joint capsule. Lining the joint capsule is the synovium, a thin membrane that produces fluid to lubricate the hip joint. In addition, bursae, or fluid-filled sacs, cushion the muscle, tendons, and bones in the hip joint. The surfaces of the ball and socket are covered with cartilage, a slippery substance that cushions the bones and enables them to move smoothly.

In some cases, constant use of the hip causes the cartilage to degrade, which interrupts the smooth movement of the joint. This is called hip osteoarthritis. The condition worsens as deterioration increases. As a result of hip osteoarthritis, it becomes more difficult for the hip joint to function properly.

What Are The Symptoms Of Hip Osteoarthritis?

Generally, the cause of hip osteoarthritis is not known, but contributing factors include age, weight, a prior hip injury, extra stress on the joint, heredity, or structural problems with the hip, such as hip dysplasia.

Before you can be diagnosed with hip osteoarthritis, an orthopedic physician will need to review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, assess your overall health, and order imaging of the hip. There are four stages of hip osteoarthritis:

How Is Hip Osteoarthritis Treated?

While there is no cure for hip osteoarthritis, it is treatable. Early treatment can slow the progression of osteoarthritis, eliminate pain, and improve hip mobility.

Non-surgical treatment options include:

If non-invasive strategies fail to alleviate the problems caused by hip osteoarthritis, surgery may become an option. Typically, it will be recommended when the pain and stiffness from hip osteoarthritis limit mobility or cause disability.

Three types of surgery are available:

Complications are possible with any type of surgery. The most common complications of hip surgery are excessive bleeding, blood clots, infection, hip dislocation, varying limb length, and blood vessel or artery damage.

The recovery time for hip surgery depends on the overall health of the patient and the type of surgery performed. Typically, the patient will be encouraged to use the repaired hip as quickly as possible, utilizing an assistive device, such as a walker or cane.

SOURCES:

Arthritis of the Hip, Washington University Physicians, - https://www.ortho.wustl.edu/content/Patient-Care/3207/Services/Hip-Knee/Adult-Reconstruction-and-Hip-Preservation-Overview/Arthritis-of-the-Hip.aspx

Hip Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Arthritis of the Hip),: WebMD - https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/hip-osteoarthritis-degenerative-arthritis-hip

Osteoarthritis of the Hip,: OrthoInfo - https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/osteoarthritis-of-the-hip/

What Are the Treatment Options for Hip Arthritis?: Healthline - https://www.healthline.com/health/osteoarthritis/hip-treatments

You Might Also Enjoy...

The Dangers of a Concussion

The Dangers of a Concussion

A concussion is always serious, but the prognosis is generally positive when it’s diagnosed promptly and managed properly. A concussion can be more dangerous however, when it’s missed or mismanaged. Learn more here.
3 Sports Injuries That Can Affect Your Knees

3 Sports Injuries That Can Affect Your Knees

Your knees are complex, high-use joints that bear most of your weight when you’re in the game, leaving them more susceptible to injury. Learn more about three sports-related knee injuries we commonly see in our practice.
Managing Carpal Tunnel Pain at Work

Managing Carpal Tunnel Pain at Work

Carpal tunnel pain is usually aggravated by repetitive, wrist-intensive activities, making it a challenge to manage the condition on the job if you work with your hands. Here are five ways to support your wrist through your workday.
4 Essential Tips to Cope with Arthritis Symptoms in Winter

4 Essential Tips to Cope with Arthritis Symptoms in Winter

If cold weather is something you “feel in your bones,” you’re not alone — winter is a time of increased joint pain and stiffness for many people, especially those who live with arthritis. Learn effective ways to cope with this seasonal change.
Nagging Hip Pain: 4 Reasons Why

Nagging Hip Pain: 4 Reasons Why

Does nagging hip pain interfere with your daily life, restrict your mobility, or keep you up at night? Hip pain may be a common complaint, but it’s not one you have to live with. Learn about common causes of chronic hip pain, and how we can help.