Degenerative Joint Disease of the Hip / Osteoarthritis
Description
This type of arthritis, also called “degenerative joint disease,” is a breakdown of the cartilage in your hip joint. As this protective cartilage wears away, bone rubs against bone. Bony growths called “bone spurs” may form in the joint. Pain from osteoarthritis can keep you from being as active as you like.
Animations
Osteoarthritis of the Hip
Causes & Triggers
Osteoarthritis doesn’t have a specific cause. The normal wear and tear of aging can bring it on. So your risk is higher as you get older. It’s higher if you have a family history of the condition. Osteoarthritis is more likely to develop if you are overweight, and if you’ve ever injured your hip. You also have a higher risk if the ball or socket of your hip joint is shaped poorly.
- Age-related cartilage wear-and-tear
- Excessive body weight
- Genetics/heredity
- Prior injury (especially surgery or trauma)
- Repetitive motion stress
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms include pain and stiffness in your hip. For some, this happens over time. For others, it starts suddenly. Your hip may be worse in the morning, after you sit or rest, and on rainy days. Symptoms may flare up when you are active. Pain may radiate into your thigh, buttock and knee. Your hip may lock or grind when you move it. This can limit your range of motion.
- Decreased flexibility
- Grating or grinding sensation/noise
- Hard lumps or bone spurs
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Tenderness (even with light pressure)
Tips & Treatment
Treatment options include medications, physical therapy and an aid like a cane, walker or other device to help you get around. You may need to limit activities that cause pain. If these aren’t helpful, surgery may help. Your healthcare provider can create a plan that’s right for you.
- Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but especially hands, knees, hips, back and neck.
- This condition develops slowly and may worsen over time, sometimes resulting in bone-on-bone contact.
- Symptoms may be relieved with lifestyle changes such as losing weight or participating in physician-recommended exercise.
- Non-surgical treatment may include icing affected area, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or complementary medicine, such as acupuncture.
