Hip arthritis is inflammation of the hip joint, commonly caused by wear and tear. Symptoms include pain and reduced range of motion. Treatment options include dietary supplements, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and medication. Severe cases may require hip replacement surgery.
Arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation of the joints. One or more joints in the body may be affected. Hip arthritis is inflammation of the hip joint. The hip joint connects the pelvic bones to the thigh. The most common type of hip arthritis is osteoarthritis.
Wear and tear on the joint appears to be the cause. Why hip arthritis affects some people and not others isn’t exactly clear. However, some risk factors have been associated with the development of arthritis. For example, people who have other diseases, such as lupus, may be at risk for developing hip arthritis. Being overweight can also be a factor in developing the condition. Although it can occur at any age, hip arthritis usually develops in the sixth and seventh decades of life.
The primary symptom of hip arthritis is pain. The pain may not just be in the hip but may radiate to the front of the thigh. The pain may only be present during activities, such as walking, or it may occur all the time. Range of motion can also be affected.
A diagnosis is usually made after a physical exam and possibly X-rays. Your doctor will determine your range of motion and look for signs of stiffness and ask about pain. Early diagnosis is important, as it can allow treatment to begin and slow the progression of the condition.
Your treatment will depend on the severity of your arthritis and the impact on your lifestyle. Mild cases of hip arthritis can be treated with dietary supplements, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy. Overweight individuals may be advised to lose weight. People who may abuse the hip joint during exercise or sports can be advised to change activities.
Dietary supplements can help in some cases. Glucosamine and chondroitin are both supplements, which are believed to help slow joint damage and the ability to promote new cartilage development. Before starting to take supplements, it is always best to consult your doctor.
Medications can also help reduce pain associated with arthritis. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can help. If over-the-counter medications don’t help, you may need to be prescribed stronger pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs by a doctor.
If other forms of treatment don’t work and your symptoms are severe enough, you may need hip replacement surgery. There are two types of hip replacement surgery, including a partial replacement and a complete replacement. A complete hip replacement may be needed if the damage to the hip joint is extensive.
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