According to the National Library of Medicine, one in four people may develop hip osteoarthritis in his or her lifetime. That means you have a 25% chance of this painful condition affecting your mobility and hindering your ability to enjoy everyday activities.
With May being National Arthritis Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to shed light on this condition. Understanding the root cause and treatments available for hip osteoarthritis can help you make better decisions about your health.
The following are the top 5 questions patients frequently ask the American Hip Institute’s Dr. Benjamin Domb about hip arthritis:
- What are the different types of arthritis that affect the hip?
- How can I recognize the signs of hip arthritis?
- What is the diagnosis process for hip arthritis?
- Are there treatment options besides surgery?
- Cortisone injections: These injections deliver a powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the inflamed joint, providing targeted pain relief.
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP): Injections of your own platelets and growth factors, similar to orthobiologics treatment, are extracted from your blood and can enhance the body's normal healing response.
- Arthroscopy: This minimally invasive surgical procedure allows surgeons to visualize the joint interior and address specific issues like torn cartilage or inflamed tissue.
- When is hip replacement surgery necessary?
The most common type is osteoarthritis, caused by the breakdown of cartilage, the cushioning material between your hip bones. This breakdown leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints, can also affect the hips.
Hip pain is the hallmark symptom, often felt in the groin, buttock, or radiating down the leg. Stiffness, particularly in the mornings, and difficulty performing everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair are other telltale signs.
Diagnosing hip arthritis involves a multi-step approach. A physical examination will assess your range of motion and pinpoint areas of tenderness. X-rays are typically used to visualize the joint and identify any bone damage or narrowing of the joint space. In some cases, an MRI scan may be necessary for a more detailed examination.
Absolutely! Minimally invasive treatments are often highly effective in managing hip arthritis. These treatments may include:
These procedures aim to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and enhance your overall function without the need for major surgery.
If minimally invasive treatments no longer provide adequate pain relief and significantly impact your daily life, hip replacement surgery might be the best course of action. This surgery involves replacing the damaged hip joint with artificial implants, restoring pain-free mobility and function.
Remember, Early Intervention is Key!
While this blog post provides a general overview, it's important to remember that each patient's experience with hip arthritis is unique. If you're experiencing hip pain or suspect you might have arthritis, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Expert Insights from a Leading Hip Specialist
Dr. Domb, a nationally recognized orthopedic surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine and Hip Arthroscopy, is at the forefront of minimally invasive hip treatments. As the founder and Chair of the American Hip Institute Research Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to advancing minimally invasive hip treatments, Dr. Domb is committed to patient education and improving treatment options. The American Hip Institute offers a wealth of resources and treatment options for hip arthritis.
Contact (833) 872-4477 to request an appointment today!
