Osteoarthritis of the Hip

Osteoarthritis, commonly known as “wear-and-tear arthritis,” is a widespread disorder that develops with age. Any joint can be affected, but it mostly occurs in weight-bearing joints such as the hip.

Hip osteoarthritis usually causes pain and stiffness. This makes simple daily activities—like standing up from a chair, tying a shoe, or walking a short distance—challenging. As the condition gradually worsens over time, timely intervention is essential to reduce its impact. While no known cure exists, various treatments can help alleviate symptoms and support an active lifestyle.

Symptoms

Pain is the main symptom associated with hip osteoarthritis. While it normally develops gradually, it can sometimes appear suddenly. Discomfort and stiffness can get worse in the morning or following prolonged inactivity. As the condition progresses, pain may become more chronic and even occur when resting or during the night.

Other possible symptoms are:

• Pain in the thigh or groin that may extend to the buttocks or knee
• Increased discomfort with strenuous activities
• Stiffness that makes it hard to walk or bend
• A sensation of “locking” or “sticking,” along with crepitus (a grating sound) when moving
• Limited range of motion that potentially causes a limp
• Heightened pain in response to weather changes

Causes

Hip osteoarthritis has no single definitive cause. However, some of the factors likely to increase the risk include:

• Aging
• Obesity
• Family history of the disease
• Past injuries to the hip joint
• Congenital disorders such as developmental dysplasia of the hip

Even in the absence of these risk factors, hip osteoarthritis can still occur.

Diagnosis

The Joint Pain Clinic diagnoses osteoarthritis of the hip by conducting a physical exam, reviewing symptoms and medical history, and sometimes recommending imaging tests, such as X-rays.

The doctor will assess the following during the examination:

• Sensitivity near the hip
• Range of both passive and active motion
• Grating sound during movement
• Pain when pressure is applied to the hip
• Abnormalities in gait
• Signs of injury to the tendons, muscles, and ligaments surrounding the hip

Treatment

Treatment for hip osteoarthritis varies depending on the stage and the patient’s overall health. Our treatment options include:

Conservative treatments:

Lifestyle changes: Making changes to everyday activities can help safeguard the hip joint and slow down osteoarthritis progression. These modifications may include:

• Steering clear of activities that exacerbate symptoms, such as climbing stairs
• Changing from high-impact exercises to low-impact ones like swimming or cycling
• Cutting weight to lessen the strain on the hip joint

Physical therapy: Targeted exercises can help enhance flexibility, range of motion and muscle strength. Your physical therapist can design a tailored exercise plan to meet your specific needs.

Assistive devices: The use of tools like crutches, canes, or walkers can help improve mobility. Long-handled reachers can also assist in avoiding movements that may cause pain.

Medications: Non-prescription medications can help ease pain and inflammation and prescription-strength NSAIDs are also available.

Corticosteroid injection: These powerful anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken through the mouth or injected directly into the joint for relief.

Surgical treatments:

Surgery may be considered if pain from osteoarthritis becomes debilitating and does not respond to conservative treatments. Available options include:

• Total hip replacement: The injured femoral head and acetabulum are substituted with plastic, metal, or ceramic components.
• Hip resurfacing: A metal shell replaces the acetabulum, and a smooth metal surface is used to cap the femoral head.
• Osteotomy: Rarely, the socket or thigh bone is cut and straightened to ease compression on the hip joint.