Arthritis is a condition that affects joints, frequently causing pain, stiffness, redness, and swelling in and around the joints. The hip joint is one of the more most common joints affected by arthritis. There are many types of arthritis that can affect the hips, but the two most common types of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage around the hip to break down and rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that leads to the breakdown of the synovium (the lining of the hip joints).
Arthritis in the hip can lead to difficulty walking. Pain is common, but it’s not always obvious where the pain is coming from. For example, pain from hip arthritis may appear in different areas of the body in addition to the hip, such as the thigh, buttocks, groin, and even the knee. The pain may feel different to different people, and one person may experience more than one type of pain. Some of the ways patients with hip arthritis describe their pain are aching, dull, sharp, or stabbing. Arthritis can also cause the hips to feel stiff.
Symptoms of arthritis of the hip
The most common signs and symptoms of hip arthritis are:
- Pain or tenderness in or around the hip joint
- Swelling around the hip joint
- Joint stiffness (this is usually worse when you first get out of bed or stand up after prolonged sitting)
- A crunching feeling or sound when you move your hip joint
- Mobility issues, like difficulty doing every day activities that involve bending or using the hip
Diagnosing hip arthritis
If you have signs of symptoms of arthritis in your hip, you should make an appointment to see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment. At your appointment, your doctor will perform a physical exam to check your joints for swelling, redness and warmth. They will also evaluate your range of motion and what types of movement elicit pain by asking you to perform certain movements. To get a definitive diagnosis of hip arthritis, your doctor will likely order tests. Those tests may include:
- Lab tests, such as:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Joint fluid tests
- Imaging tests, such as:
- X-rays
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
- MRI scan
Beaumont offers treatments for hip arthritis
At Beaumont, our hip specialists will work with you to treat the signs and symptoms of hip arthritis. Treatment will vary depending upon your symptoms and their severity. Your treatment may involve:
- Rest
- Physical therapy to help improve range of motion and strengthen surrounding muscles
- Occupational therapy to help you learn how to modify activity in order to protect your hip, reduce pain, and improve function
- Medication, such as:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Acetaminophen
- Creams and ointments that can help reduce pain
- Corticosteroids to help decrease inflammation and reduce pain
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics if you have arthritis due to an autoimmune disease
- Alternative therapy, such as:
- Massage
- Acupuncture or acupressure
- Yoga
- Lifestyle changes, such as:
- Losing weight to help reduce stress on your hip joint
- Heat and ice therapy
- Exercise to help keep your hip joints flexible
- Assistive devices to help with mobility
- Surgery
- Hip joint repair
- Hip joint replacement
- Joint fusion
Orthopedic surgeons at Beaumont successfully treat arthritis
Some people who have arthritis in their hip(s) will find relief through surgery. Hip surgery to treat arthritis may relieve pain and improve mobility, restoring functionality and improving your quality of life. Beaumont’s orthopedic programs are available throughout Metro Detroit.
Make an appointment at Beaumont
If you have hip pain or other symptoms of hip arthritis, contact a Beaumont specialist to make an appointment. Our specialists offer a full range of treatments for patients of all ages and all types of joint pain and dysfunction. No matter which type of hip arthritis you have, we have a team of specialists ready to determine the best treatment option for you.
Call us at 800-633-7377 to make an appointment.