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Hip Arthritis
Dr. Ambrose Yung
Hip arthritis is a degenerative condition where cartilage in the hip joint deteriorates, causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
This cartilage normally facilitates smooth bone movement within the joint. However, as it wears down, the bones may rub against each other, leading to discomfort and restricted mobility. While it most commonly affects older adults, hip arthritis can develop in younger individuals due to injury or specific health conditions.
Symptoms of Hip Arthritis
Symptoms vary depending on the extent of cartilage loss and often include:
- Pain
Typically felt in the groin, thigh, or buttocks. Pain may intensify with activity and improve with rest. Morning stiffness is common but usually subsides within 30 minutes of waking. - Stiffness
A limited range of hip motion, which can be more pronounced after prolonged periods of inactivity. - Swelling and Tenderness
Inflammation may cause noticeable swelling and tenderness around the hip joint. - Difficulty with Mobility
Reduced range of motion, making daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or bending difficult.
Causes and Risk Factors
Hip arthritis develops due to various factors, including natural wear and tear. Common causes and risk factors include:
- Age: As we age, the cartilage in the hip joint naturally wears down and loses its ability to repair, increasing the risk of bone-on-bone contact, pain, and reduced joint function.
- Genetics: Joint structure and inherited traits can affect cartilage resilience, with a family history of arthritis raising susceptibility.
- Previous Hip Injuries: Trauma from sports or accidents, such as fractures or dislocations, can accelerate cartilage degeneration.
- Obesity: Excess body weight places additional stress on hip joints, contributing to cartilage wear and promoting inflammatory processes.
- Chronic Inflammatory Conditions: Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus increase arthritis risk due to ongoing joint inflammation.
Diagnosis of Hip Arthritis
The diagnostic process for hip arthritis involves several key steps:
Medical Review
Your doctor will start by discussing your symptoms, including the location and severity of pain, stiffness, and how these symptoms affect your daily activities. Assessing your medical history, previous injuries, or family history of arthritis helps in forming a clearer picture of your condition.
Physical Examination
The physical exam involves assessing the hip’s range of motion, checking for swelling, tenderness, or signs of inflammation, and observing your walking gait for any movement abnormalities. This helps the doctor evaluate joint function and identify areas of concern.
Imaging Tests
Imaging is necessary for confirming a diagnosis and assessing joint damage. X-rays are typically used to detect cartilage loss, bone spurs, or structural changes in the hip. For more detailed views, especially of soft tissues like cartilage and ligaments, an MRI may be ordered.
Blood Tests
Blood tests may be performed to check for markers of inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or to rule out other potential causes of joint pain. These tests help differentiate between different types of arthritis and guide treatment options.
Treatment Options for Hip Arthritis
Treatment plans depend on symptom severity and may include both non-surgical and surgical approaches.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Medications
Over-the-counter NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) and acetaminophen are commonly used to manage pain and inflammation. For more severe cases, corticosteroid injections may provide temporary relief but should be used sparingly due to potential cartilage damage with overuse.
Physical Therapy
Low-impact exercises, such as tai chi, yoga, or water aerobics, help maintain joint function and reduce strain on the hip. Physical therapists can tailor exercise regimens to individual needs.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Incorporating low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling, using assistive devices (e.g., canes), and weight management can relieve pressure on the hip joints.
Surgical Treatment
When non-surgical treatments fail to alleviate symptoms, surgical options may be considered:
Hip Arthroscopy
This minimally invasive procedure is used to treat mild hip arthritis or repair joint damage, such as cartilage tears or remove bone spurs. A small camera and specialised instruments are inserted through tiny incisions, allowing the surgeon to address specific issues without making large cuts. However, it is generally not effective for advanced arthritis cases.
Total Hip Replacement
This surgery is commonly performed for severe arthritis. It involves removing the damaged hip joint and replacing it with an artificial implant made of metal, ceramic, or plastic components. The goal is to alleviate pain, restore joint function, and improve mobility.
Hip Resurfacing
This bone-conserving procedure is suitable for younger, active patients. Instead of replacing the entire hip joint, the surgeon reshapes the damaged femoral head and covers it with a metal cap. This method preserves more bone and may offer a greater range of motion compared to a full hip replacement, making it suitable for patients who want to maintain an active lifestyle.
Reducing the Risk of Hip Arthritis
To reduce the risk of hip arthritis, maintain a healthy weight to minimise joint stress, engage in regular low-impact activities like swimming or cycling to strengthen hip-supporting muscles, and protect your joints by using proper techniques during physical activities. A balanced diet rich in omega-3s (e.g., fatty fish, flaxseeds), antioxidants, and vitamins (e.g., berries, leafy greens, walnuts) can also support joint health.
Our Clinic Locations
Spire Hip & Knee Centre
6 Napier Road #08-04
Singapore 258499
Monday – Friday: 9.00am – 6.00 pm
Saturday: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Sunday & PH: CLOSED
Spire Orthopaedic Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre
101 Irrawaddy Road, #18-03
Singapore 329565
Monday – Friday: 9.00am – 6.00 pm
Saturday: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Sunday & PH: CLOSED
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can hip arthritis lead to long-term mobility issues?
Yes, if left untreated, hip arthritis can progressively worsen, leading to significant pain and restricted movement. Over time, this can interfere with daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even sitting and standing comfortably. Early intervention, such as physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments, can help preserve mobility and reduce the risk of long-term disability.
Can hip arthritis affect other joints?
Yes, hip arthritis can impact other joints, especially due to compensatory movement patterns. When the hip joint is stiff or painful, people often change the way they move to avoid discomfort, which can place added stress on the knees, lower back, and opposite hip. This may eventually lead to pain or arthritis in these areas.
Is hip arthritis common in athletes?
Yes, hip arthritis can be more common in athletes, especially those involved in high-impact sports like running, soccer, or basketball. The repetitive stress on the hip joints and the potential for injuries such as fractures or dislocations can accelerate cartilage wear and increase the risk of developing arthritis at a younger age.