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What is Arthritis of the Hip?

When the cartilage is damaged, the two bones rub against each other causing pain, swelling and stiffness of the joint. This condition is called arthritis. Arthritis is a progressive disorder, and is the most common cause of joint pain.

Types of Arthritis

Causes of Arthritis of the Hip

Advanced age is one of the most common reasons for arthritis of the hip. You may also develop this disorder in the following cases:

  • Previous hip injury or hip fracture
  • Family history of arthritis
  • Suffer from hip diseases such as avascular necrosis or other congenital or developmental hip diseases

Symptoms of Arthritis of the Hip

  • Hip Pain
  • Hip Swelling
  • Hip Deformity (bow leg or knock knee)
  • Hip Stiffness
  • Hip Instability/Dislocation
  • Increased pain with walking or standing
  • Pain relief when sitting or resting

Diagnosis of Arthritis of the Hip

Based on your symptoms, your doctor will perform a physical examination, X-rays and other scans, and some blood tests to rule out the other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

Management of Arthritis of the Hip

There are several treatments and lifestyle modifications that can help you ease your pain and symptoms.

  • Medications: Pain-relieving medications such as NSAIDs and opioids may be prescribed. Topical medications such as ointments can be applied over the skin to relieve pain. If the pain is very severe, corticosteroid injection can be administered directly into the affected joint to ease the pain.
  • Other treatments: Your physiotherapist will teach you exercises to keep your joints flexible and improve muscle strength. Heat/cold therapy that involves applying heat or cold packs to the joints provides temporary pain relief. Lifestyle modifications are encouraged to control your weight and avoid extra stress on the weight-bearing joints.
  • Surgery: Hip joint replacement surgery is considered as an option when the pain is so severe that it affects your ability to carry out normal activities.

Doctors Performing Hip Arthritis Care