Initial Things to know about Hip Osteoarthritis

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is an inflammation of the joint that results from cartilage degeneration. It is due to both mechanical and biological processes. Simply, it occurs when inflammation and injury to a joint causes a break down in cartilage tissue. Such breakdown results in pain, swelling and deformity. Cartilage is the firm, whitish and flexible connective tissue of rubbery material which covers the ends of bones in normal joints.

What is Hip Osteoarthritis?

Hip osteoarthritis is a common type of osteoarthritis. With the hip being a weight bearing joint, osteoarthritis can cause significant problems. Hip osteoarthritis is caused due to deterioration (wear and tear) of articular cartilage of the hip joint. Osteoarthritis of the hip is a major contributor to pain, decreased physical function and decline in a healthy life. Patients having osteoarthritis of the hip may have walking problems. Diagnosis can be difficult at the first as pain can appear in different locations, including the groin, thigh or knee. Osteoarthritis hip treatment is directed by controlling the inflammatory response and maximizing the body’s ability to compensate for the damaged joint.

Causes of Hip Osteoarthritis

The risk factors that most people exhibit are listed below:

–          Advanced age

–          Heredity and congenital defects and disease

–          Joint trauma or injury

–          Gender

–          Excessive weight

Symptoms of Hip Osteoarthritis

Patients having osteoarthritis of the hip joint experience pain localized to groin area and front or side of the knee. Morning stiffness is also one of the characteristics of hip osteoarthritis. The most common symptoms are hip pain and decreased range of motion. Other signs are:

–          Chronic hip swelling

–          Limping or Lurching

–          Hip crunching

–          Loss of hip joint function

–          Inactivity makes these things worse

Hip joint osteoarthritis pain usually develops gradually and many sufferers try to ignore its signs until daily activities are affected. It progresses over months or years. Sudden hip pain occurs due to trauma or other conditions, not osteoarthritis.

Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis Hip Joint

A doctor must have a comprehensive approach to diagnose the cause of the disease as there is no specific lab test to identify the presence of hip osteoarthritis. The process for examining whether the hip pain is due to osteoarthritis or not is listed below:

–          Patient Interview

–          Physical Exam

–          Testing

1. X-rays
2. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
3. Lab Tests

An accurate diagnosis and early treatment helps decrease pain and improve function for the arthritic patient. Depending upon the condition, the treatment varies.

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is not to be construed as medical care or medical advice and is not a replacement for medical care given by your physicians or trained medical personnel.