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Hip Arthritis

Arthritis of the hip is a disease which wears away the cartilage between the femoral head and the acetabulum, the two bones will scrape against each other, raw bone on raw bone. When this happens, the joint becomes pitted, eroded and uneven. The result is pain, stiffness and instability. In some cases, motion of the leg may be greatly restricted.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of arthritis in the United States; it is degenerative and although it most often occurs in patients over the age of 50, it can occur at any age, especially if the joint is in some way damaged. It is usually confined to the large weight-bearing joints of the lower extremities, including the hips and knees, but may affect the spine and upper extremity joints, too. Patients with osteoarthritis often develop large bone spurts, or osteophytes, around the joint, further limiting motion.

Causes

Osteoarthritis of the hip is a condition commonly referred to as "wear and tear" arthritis. Although the degenerative process may accelerate in persons with a previous hip injury, many cases of osteoarthritis occur when the hip simply wears out. Some experts believe there may be a genetic predisposition in people who develop osteoarthritis of the hip. Abnormalities of the hip due to previous fractures or childhood disorders may also lead to a degenerative hip. Osteoarthritis of the hip is the most common cause for total hip replacement surgery.

Symptoms

The first and most common symptom of osteoarthritis is pain in the hip or groin area during weight bearing activities such as walking. People with hip pain usually compensate by limping, or reducing the force on the arthritic hip. As a result of the cartilage degeneration, the hip loses its flexibility and strength, and may result in the formation of bone spurs. Finally, as the condition worsens, the pain may be present all the time, even during non weight-bearing activities.

Treatment

Before considering Total Hip Replacement Surgery, your doctor and you may try various non-surgical therapies. An appropriate weight reduction program may be beneficial in decreasing force across the hip joint. However, weight reduction can be difficult for people with hip arthritis since the arthritis pain precludes them from increasing their activity and burning calories. An exercise program may be instituted to improve the strength and flexibility of the hip and the other lower extremity joints. Lifestyle and activity modification may be undertaken in an attempt to minimize the activities that are associated with hip pain. Finally, various medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or nutritional supplements (Chondroitin/Glucosamine) to reduce pain and inflammation associated with the disease may be considered.

Assistive devices like a cane or a crutch can help to reduce the force transmitted through the hip joint during walking and thereby may help to decrease hip arthritis pain. If non-surgical treatment is unsuccessful, you and your surgeon may decide that a total hip replacement is the available treatment option..

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Unlike osteoarthritis which is a "wear and tear" phenomenon, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that results in joint pain, stiffness and swelling. The disease process leads to severe, and at times rapid, deterioration of multiple joints, resulting in severe pain and loss of function.

Causes

Although the exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, some experts believe that a virus or bacteria may trigger the disease in people having a genetic predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis. Many doctors think rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the synovial tissue of the joint is attacked by one’s own immune system. The onset of rheumatoid arthritis occurs most frequently in middle age and is more common among women.

Symptoms

The primary Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis are similar to osteoarthritis and include pain, swelling and the loss of motion. In addition, other symptoms may include loss of appetite, fever, energy loss, anemia, and rheumatoid nodules (lumps of tissue under the skin). People suffering with rheumatoid arthritis commonly have periods of exacerbation or "flare ups" where multiple joints may be painful and stiff.

Treatment

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis may involve medications such as NSAIDs, aspirin and analgesics. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone may be prescribed, and are effective in decreasing the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Side effects can occur with the use of corticosteroids, and close monitoring by a physician is essential. Researchers have made progress in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and newer prescription drugs are now available. If non-surgical measures fail, you and your surgeon may decide that total hip replacement is the treatment option to relieve your pain and help you return to an improved functional level.

FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of hip arthritis?

Hip arthritis is a degenerative disease that happens when the cartilage that cushions the hip bone joints gradually wears away, which over time leads to inflammation, pain, and mobility problems. Some of the most common symptoms of hip arthritis are pain, swelling, grinding or popping sensation, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and difficulty with weight-bearing activities, which over time can progress to pain even during walking.

How is hip arthritis diagnosed?

Symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion are often the first signs of hip arthritis. A hip replacement surgeon will ask about these symptoms, perform a physical examination, and explore the patient's medical history.

Imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans are performed. Blood tests are also ordered to rule out possible other causes, like rheumatoid arthritis. All the results from medical and physical examinations are used to diagnose hip arthritis.

Can hip arthritis be cured?

Hip arthritis is a degenerative condition caused by the breakdown of cartilage, which is irreversible. To put it simply, hip arthritis is not entirely curable, but with the right treatment, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, it can be managed, and symptoms can be mitigated. The best way to address hip arthritis is to perform hip replacement surgery, where the hip joint is replaced with a robust artificial joint, making it damage-proof while helping regain mobility and relieving pain.

What are the treatment options for hip arthritis?

Treatment options for hip arthritis depend on the severity of the condition and the symptoms. Treatment can involve both non-surgical and surgical options prescribed by a hip specialist based on the severity of symptoms.

Non-surgical treatment options include medication, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and assistive devices. If non-surgical options do not provide adequate relief, surgery may be preferred by the hip specialist. Surgical treatments for hip arthritis can include hip arthroscopy, hip debridement, and, in more severe cases, total hip replacement.

What lifestyle changes can help manage hip arthritis?

Weight management to reduce extra pressure on the hip joint, regular exercise to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, and physical therapy to enhance hip function and reduce pain are some of the common lifestyle adjustments recommended to manage the symptoms of hip arthritis.

Avoiding smoking, managing stress, limiting alcohol use, using assistive devices, and reducing activities that aggravate pain are other effective lifestyle changes that can help manage hip arthritis.