Symptoms of hip arthritis may include pain in or near the hip joint, stiffness, audible clicking sounds when moving the hip, and weakness. While hip arthritis is usually a chronic condition, there are treatments to help ease the symptoms and reduce further damage.
During the physical examination, your doctor will evaluate the range of motion in your hip. Increased pain and limitation during some movements may be a sign of inflammatory arthritis. The doctor will also look for a limp or other problems with your gait (the way you walk) due to stiffness of the hip.
Pain in or around the hip joint and groin area is the most common symptom of hip osteoarthritis. Additionally, pain in the groin or thigh that moves into the buttocks or knee is another symptom. Pain may develop over a gradual period initially and can worsen over time.
Pain that flares up with vigorous activity. Stiffness in the hip joint that makes it difficult to walk or bend. "Locking" or "sticking" of the joint, and a grinding noise (crepitus) during movement caused by loose fragments of cartilage and other tissue interfering with the smooth motion of the hip.
Nonsurgical treatment of arthritis of the hip may include any of the following: Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen. Corticosteroids, injections to block the inflammation in the joint. Physical therapy or exercise programs to improve flexibility, build up strength, and maintain muscle tone.
Walking: Bone and joint specialists suggest that walking is one of the best forms of exercise for hip arthritis. Walking boosts blood flow to your cartilage, giving it the nutrients necessary to provide cushion to the ends of your joints.
There are a few basic ways to know if you have hip bursitis or arthritis. If the pain you feel is sharp and severe before spreading out into an ache in the affected area, you may have hip bursitis. On the other hand, if your pain develops slower and is more painful in the morning, it may be hip arthritis.
Performed with eyes open and hands on the hips. Patient stands on one leg unassisted; time begins when opposite foot leaves the ground; time stops immediately when opposite foot touches the ground and/or when hands leave the hips. If unable to stand for 5 seconds or less client at greater risk of injury from fall.
Hip osteoarthritis can be confirmed with x-rays. X-rays show: How much space there is between the femur and the acetabulum of the pelvic bone (the hip's ball and socket). No space or an abnormally small space indicates a loss of cartilage.
Two of the most common issues with the hip are bursitis and arthritis. They are completely different conditions with their own unique causes, yet they exhibit extremely similar symptoms, making it difficult to differentiate which is which.
Symptoms of bursitis of the hip
Symptoms include joint pain and tenderness. You may also see swelling and feel warmth around the affected area. The pain is often sharp in the first few days. It may be dull and achy later.
Go to a hospital or get emergency help if: Your hip pain is acute and caused by a serious fall or other injury. Your leg is deformed, badly bruised, or bleeding. You are unable to move your hip or bear any weight on your leg.
Typically, the pain is worse at night, when lying on the affected hip, and when getting up from a chair after being seated for a while. It also may get worse with prolonged walking, stair climbing, or squatting.
Walking is good for hip pain and you should try to walk as much as you can each day. You'll find that in time and with consistency, your hip pain will diminish, and in a best case scenario, it will disappear altogether.
The average patient age for a hip or knee replacement surgery is between 66 and 68, which means that it is reasonable to expect a joint replacement to last for the remainder of life in 80 to 90 percent of patients.
You may be offered hip replacement surgery if: you have severe pain, swelling and stiffness in your hip joint and your mobility is reduced. your hip pain is so severe that it interferes with your quality of life and sleep. everyday tasks, such as shopping or getting out of the bath, are difficult or impossible.
Pain can get worse after standing or walking for long periods of time or after a period of rest (waking up in the morning). Stiffness in the hip makes it difficult to move the hip or rotate the leg. This may make daily activities, such as putting on socks and shoes, difficult.
Pushing through pain is not the thing to do. If your joints are hot or swollen, exercise can increase the damage and cause more pain. Remember, arthritis pain and pain from a strenuous workout are not the same. A little soreness a day or two after a workout is OK.
Untreated arthritis will add to the degradation of the structures in and around the joint leading to more and more pain and a loss of function. The progression of arthritis may lead to requiring a total joint replacement.
Pain from arthritis can be constant or it may come and go. It may occur when at rest or while moving. Pain may be in one part of the body or in many different parts. Some types of arthritis cause the skin over the affected joint to become red and swollen, feeling warm to the touch.