Hip Arthritis

Do you experience pain, stiffness, or discomfort in the area of your hip and thigh? The hip, like other joints such as the ankle and knee, can wear out with time and lead to pain and discomfort. You may be suffering from a form of hip arthritis.

Hip Arthritis: What is it?

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, which is a general term used to describe the deterioration of a joint. Typically joints are covered with a smooth hyaline cartilage which allows for pain free motion of the joint. The surfaces can wear out for a number of reasons and leave exposed bone in the joint which can cause pain. This is typically referred to as “degenerative arthritis.” The hip, like other joints such as the ankle and knee, can wear out with time and lead to pain and discomfort.

X-ray of pelvis with arthritis at both hip joint

Symptoms: What does Hip Arthritis feel like?

In general, a hip that is affected by inflammatory arthritis will feel painful and stiff when moving. Additional symptoms will also indicate a likely case of hip arthritis:

A general ache or pain around the hip, including the groin, knee, outer thigh, or gluteus.
Pain or stiffness of the hip that is more pronounced after sitting, resting, or lying down, but improves with activity and movement.
Pain in the hip joint that leads to a limp or more painful walking.

Causes

Although the exact causes of arthritis are not known, it is generally assumed that both genetics and joint overuse may play a role in causing arthritis.

Evaluation: How is Hip Arthritis diagnosed?

Your initial visual evaluation for hip arthritis will include a range-of-motion test to test for any pain or discomfort during specific hip movements. Your doctor will also evaluate your walk and look for signs of tightness or limping.

After a visual evaluation, X-ray testing and blood testing can also help your doctor confirm any thinning of the bone, loss of joint space, excess fluid in the joint, or excess inflammatory factors in your bones or blood that may be further indications of arthritis.

Treatment

Hip arthritis is often treated through a series of coordinated treatments to help reduce your symptoms and ensure the arthritis does not progress further.

Nonsurgical Treatments

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs such as naproxen and ibuprofen can help reduce the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis.

Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatories that can be taken by mouth, by injection, or used as creams that are applied directly to the skin.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). DMARDs are immune system medications that can work to slow the progression of arthritis.

Physical therapy. Physical therapy is a common treatment for arthritis that focuses on increasing the range of motion in your hip and strengthening the supporting muscles. Specific assigned exercise plans can also help reduce stiffness and improve mobility and motion.

Assistive devices. A variety of daily living devices such as canes and walkers can reduce the pain and discomfort caused by hip arthritis for common activities.

Hip Arthritis Surgical Options

Depending on your age, the severity of your hip arthritis, and the overall progression of the disease, your doctor may recommend surgery to treat your hip arthritis. There are two primary surgical options for hip arthritis: Total hip replacement and Synovectomy.

Total Hip Replacement. During Total Hip Replacement surgery, your doctor will remove damaged cartilage and bone from the hip and replace it with synthetic joint components to restore your hip function and movement. Total hip replacement is a highly successful surgical option for many patients.

Synovectomy. During a synovectomy procedure, only the joint lining is removed and replaced. This is an ideal procedure if the hip arthritis hasn’t affected the bone or cartilage. It is generally a surgical procedure that can be a viable option for patients suffering from early progression hip arthritis.

Recovery: What Can Be Expected?

The recovery timeline for your hip arthritis treatments or surgery will vary greatly based on your age, current mobility, type of treatment, and scope of treatment. Your doctor will discuss your recovery timeline and any recovery therapy that will be necessary to restore your mobility.

Frequently asked questions about Hip Arthritis

Physicians

The following physicians specialize in the treatment of Hip Arthritis:

Keith M. Baumgarten, MD

Corey P. Rothrock, MD

Michael J. Adler, MD

Erik D. Peterson, MD

Dustin P. Collins, MD

Matthew J. McKenzie, MD

Timothy L. Walker, MD

Evan N. Hermanson, MD

Luke H. Rasmussen, MD

Peter A. Looby, MD

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Testimonials

Dr. Zoellner did my first hip replacement almost 18 years ago and I am very pleased with it. Returned to him concerning my knees. Very knowledgeable and more than willing to answer any questions. He also answered questions I had about my husband’s possible hip replacement. Recommended a highly qualified surgeon for my husband. Highly recommend Dr. Zoellner, Orthopedic Institute and the entire staff.

Dr. Looby and his entire staff were outstanding. He took the time to explain my options for less invasive treatment and ultimately the full hip joint replacement. I appreciated the fact he didn’t want to rush to surgery but was willing to explore and explain all the options. When we did decide on the total hip joint replacement, he took the time to explain the procedure and what the future would look like….I could resume my physical activities including running. I am one month post-operative and have no pain and walking again without crutches or Cane.

Dr. Adler literally gave me my life back. I had an anterior total hip replacement. For me it was a same day surgery. I could not walk more than a block without excruciating pain. I have been walking 1 to 3 miles a day since week 4. I could not even get on my bike, now I am biking 6 to 8 miles at a time. He is an excellent surgeon with a great bedside manner!

Dr Baumgarten is very straight forward yet understanding of my hip issues. Doctor visit led to surgery with excellent results. Not living in the immediate area, I was thankful that they were respectful of my time and made efficient use of every trip I made to their office. The staff is knowledgeable yet personable. I highly recommend them! A fabulous doctor and team!!

Hip Arthritis

Hip Arthritis: What is it?

Symptoms: What does Hip Arthritis feel like?

Causes

Evaluation: How is Hip Arthritis diagnosed?

Treatment

Nonsurgical Treatments

Hip Arthritis Surgical Options

Recovery: What Can Be Expected?

Frequently asked questions about Hip Arthritis

Physicians

Keith M. Baumgarten, MD

Corey P. Rothrock, MD

Michael J. Adler, MD

Erik D. Peterson, MD

Dustin P. Collins, MD

Matthew J. McKenzie, MD

Timothy L. Walker, MD

Evan N. Hermanson, MD

Luke H. Rasmussen, MD

Peter A. Looby, MD

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Testimonials

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