Hip osteoarthritis

Hip osteoarthritis is a common condition that can significantly impact your daily life. However, with the right treatment, you can manage your symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.

At Advocate Health Care, our team of orthopedic specialists helps you navigate treatment and gets you on the path to recovery. We offer the latest treatments and there are many options available to help you stay active and pain-free.

Causes of hip osteoarthritis

The exact cause of hip osteoarthritis isn’t fully understood, but several factors can contribute to its development, including the loss of muscle mass as you age.

You start losing muscle mass in your late 30s and the rate of loss accelerates further after age 70.

Other causes of osteoarthritis include:

• Age: As you age, the wear and tear on your hip joints increases, making osteoarthritis more likely.
• Genetics: If your parents or siblings have had hip osteoarthritis, your risk is higher due to hereditary factors.
• Joint injuries: Previous injuries to your hip, such as fractures or dislocations, can lead to osteoarthritis later in life.
• Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts additional stress on your hip joints, accelerating cartilage breakdown.
• Repetitive stress: Jobs or activities that involve repetitive movements or heavy lifting can strain your hips, leading to osteoarthritis.
• Developmental disorders: Conditions like hip dysplasia, where the hip joint doesn’t form correctly, can increase the risk of osteoarthritis.

What age do people get osteoarthritis in their hips?

Hip osteoarthritis can develop at any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in people older than 50. The risk increases with age, largely due to the cumulative effect of wear and tear on your joints.

However, younger individuals can also develop hip osteoarthritis symptoms, especially if they have risk factors like playing sports, joint injuries, genetic predisposition or developmental hip disorders.

In your 30s and 40s, you might notice early signs of hip osteoarthritis, especially if you engage in high-impact activities or have had significant hip injuries. For most people who have hip osteoarthritis, symptoms become more pronounced and debilitating in their 50s.

Hip osteoarthritis symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of hip osteoarthritis is essential for getting early treatment and managing the condition effectively.

Common hip osteoarthritis symptoms include:

• Pain: You might experience deep, aching pain in your groin, buttocks, or the inside of your thigh. The pain can be constant or intermittent, often worsening with activity.
• Stiffness: Your hip may feel stiff, especially after periods of inactivity or in the morning. This can make it difficult to move or bend your hip.
• Limited range of motion: You may notice a decreased ability to move your hip in certain directions. This can affect daily activities like walking, sitting, or putting on shoes.
• Grinding or clicking: You might hear or feel a grinding sensation in your hip joint during movement.

These symptoms can vary in intensity and may come and go initially, often becoming more persistent and severe as the condition progresses.

Diagnosing hip osteoarthritis

Diagnosing hip osteoarthritis typically involves a combination of your medical history, physical examination and imaging tests.

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, including when they started, their severity, and how they affect your daily life. They’ll also inquire about any previous hip injuries, your family history of arthritis, and any other medical conditions you might have.

During the exam, your doctor will assess your hip’s range of motion, check for tenderness or swelling, and observe how you walk. They may also test your muscle strength and joint stability.

X-ray, MRI and CT scans are commonly used to confirm a diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis. They can reveal joint space narrowing, bone spurs and other changes indicative of osteoarthritis.

Hip osteoarthritis treatments and therapies

Managing hip osteoarthritis involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications and sometimes surgical interventions, such as a total hip replacement.

Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on your hip joints. Regular low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling, can improve your joint mobility and strengthen the muscles around your hip. Physical therapy may be beneficial in teaching you exercises and techniques to manage symptoms.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, your doctor might prescribe stronger medications or corticosteroid injections for more severe pain.

Using a cane or walker can help take the load off your hip and improve mobility. Shoe inserts or orthotics can also help by providing better support and alignment.

If conservative hip osteoarthritis treatments fail to relieve your symptoms, surgical options like hip resurfacing or total hip replacement may be considered. These procedures can significantly reduce pain and improve your quality of life.