Hip Osteoarthritis Specialist

What is osteoarthritis?

Arthritis of the hip is an inflammation of the hip joint and the breakdown of the cartilage that cushions hip bones. It causes the ends of affected bones to become rough and rub against each other, leading to pain and bone spurs. 

What causes hip osteoarthritis?

The hallmarks of osteoarthritis – stiffness and limited range of motion – result from a combination of cartilage loss and joint swelling. It is a common condition, affecting one in four people. Risk factors include at least one of the following:

• Wear and tear from aging
• Family history
• Injuries, such as a torn labrum or broken hip
• Genetic misalignment of the hip’s ball and socket
• A history of direct-impact sports or heavy manual labor

What are the symptoms of hip osteoarthritis?

Most people report an aching pain in the groin area that may travel to the thigh, buttocks, side of the hip (lateral hip), or back of the thigh. The pain gradually gets worse. It is often aggravated by vigorous or weight-bearing activities, rising to a standing position, bending, and some weight-bearing activities.

How is it diagnosed? 

Our board-certified, fellowship-trained doctor will do a thorough physical examination and assess your medical history. He or she will check for sensitivity and assess your hip’s range of motion. X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to diagnose this condition. 

What are the best hip osteoarthritis treatments?

Modifying your activity to take pressure off the joint, following a prescribed exercise routine to increase muscle strength and blood circulation, and physical therapy can help relieve symptoms. For certain patients, radiofrequency ablation blunts painful nerve endings for longer-term relief. Steroid injections, viscosupplementation, and platelet-rich plasma therapy can also be effective.  

If you are experiencing symptoms of hip osteoarthritis, call Orthopedic Specialists today and schedule a consultation. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained doctors are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of all hip conditions.