Hip Arthritis

Hip arthritis can occur in several forms:

• Osteoarthritis (OA): This is the most common type, caused by gradual cartilage wear, leading to bones rubbing against each other.
• Avascular necrosis with secondary arthritis: This is caused by the disruption of blood flow to the hip bone, resulting in bone death and arthritis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): This is an autoimmune disorder in which the  immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial lining of joints, causing inflammation and pain.
• Psoriatic arthritis: associated with psoriasis and can affect the hip joint, causing swelling and discomfort.
• Post-traumatic arthritis: This occurs after a hip injury or fracture that damages the joint.

People with hip arthritis may experience:

• Persistent pain in the hip or groin region, which often worsens with movement.
• Stiffness in the morning or after prolonged sitting.
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or performing daily tasks.
• Reduced range of motion in the hip.
• Trouble squatting or sitting cross-legged.

Hip arthritis develops due to several factors, such as:

• Ageing, particularly in cases of osteoarthritis.
• Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis.
• Family history of arthritis.
• Obesity, which increases stress on the hip joint.
• Previous hip injuries or fractures.
• Female sex, which increases the risk for OA and RA.
• Occupation or activities that involve repetitive stress on the hip.

Doctors use the following methods to diagnose hip arthritis:

• Comprehensive assessment of medical history and symptoms.
• Physical examination of the hip joint: This helps detect pain or any other hip joint abnormalities.
• Imaging studies:
  • Radiography (X-ray) to assess joint anatomy.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine the soft tissues around the hip and assess cartilage and bone marrow changes.
  • Computed tomography (CT) to evaluate complex cases or assess the extent of joint damage.
• Blood tests to identify inflammatory or autoimmune conditions. 

Based on the type and severity of the hip arthritis, non-surgical or surgical treatment approaches are recommended:

• Non-surgical treatments:
  • Medications:
    • Painkillers, such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, for pain relief and reducing inflammation.
    • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for RA or other inflammatory arthritis types.
    • Biologics for severe cases of RA or other inflammatory types.
  • Physical therapy helps strengthen the hip muscles, enhance their flexibility, and support joint mobility.
  • Lifestyle changes, such as weight management, low-impact exercise (swimming and cycling), and joint protection strategies.
  • Assistive devices, such as canes, walkers, or braces to support the hip joint, reducing strain, and improve mobility.
• Surgical treatments:
  • Hip arthroscopy: A minimally invasive orthopaedic surgery to repair or clean out damaged tissue.
  • Hip replacement surgery: The damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial implant, markedly reducing pain and restoring mobility, especially in severe cases.

Patients are advised to visit their doctor if they experience:

• Persistent hip or groin pain that does not improve with rest or medication.
• Stiffness that limits daily activities.
• Difficulty in walking, standing, or climbing stairs.
• Symptoms that worsen despite conservative treatment.

Although not all cases of hip arthritis can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:

• Maintaining a healthy weight to decrease strain on the hip joints.
• Staying active with low-impact exercises to keep the joints flexible and strong.
• Protecting your hips from injuries by using proper techniques during sports and daily activities.
• Treating underlying conditions such as vitamin deficiencies or autoimmune disorders promptly.

If you suspect hip arthritis, you should consult an orthopaedic surgeon. In cases of inflammatory arthritis, a rheumatologist may also be involved in your care.