Hip Osteoarthritis

The hip is the second largest weight-bearing joint – second only to the knee. It is a ball-and-socket joint. The socket is formed by part of the pelvic bone called acetabulum and the ball is the upper end of the thigh bone called femur.


Smooth, slippery cartilage covers the surfaces of the ball and socket. It pads and protects the bones, allowing them to move easily. 
With hip OA, the cartilage wears way over time. The bone ends get rough and the space in the joint gets small. The bones rub against each other and bone spurs grow, causing pain. 




Causes of Hip Osteoarthritis:

There is no single cause of hip osteoarthritis. Certain factors make you more likely to have OA.

  • Age.

  • Family history.

  • Injury to the hip, even an old one.

  • Being overweight or obese.

  • Improper growth of the hip joint, known as hip dysplasia.
     

Symptoms of Hip Osteoarthritis:

Symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen over time. You may feel worse in the morning or after sitting or resting for a while. 

  • Pain in the groin is the most common symptom. You may also feel pain in the thigh, buttocks or down your leg to the knee.

  • Crepitus is the grinding noise and “locking” or “sticking” that you feel when you move your hip. 

  • Stiffness in the hip joint makes it difficult to walk or bend.

  • Decreased range of motion in the hip may affect your ability to walk and cause you to limp.
     

 Treatment of Hip Osteoarthritis:

OA cannot be cured. However, you can treat your symptoms and find pain relief. 

Non-Drug Treatments

Try these self-care basics to help ease your pain and stiffness and help you walk better.

  • Topical creams that include ingredients like capsaicin, camphor or CBD.

  • Exercise – water aerobics and swimming are good choices.

  • Physical therapy or occupational therapy. 

  • Weight loss.

  • Cane or walker.

  • Hot or cold packs, acupuncture, massage.

Drug Treatments

When pain keeps you from doing what you need to do, medication may help. 

  • Oral medications that include acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help ease pain.

  • Gel or creams that include NSAIDs, lidocaine and salicylates that can be rubbed on the hip joint

  • Steroids can be taken by mouth or injected into the joints. The injections provide short-term relief and can be given three to four times a year.

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