What is hip osteoarthritis?
Arthritis, known as joint inflammation, causes swelling and pain inside the body’s joints. Amongst all the types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is common and likely to develop as people age.
The hip joint is a ball and socket joint formed at the ball-shaped end of the thigh bone that fits inside the hip socket. It is covered with cartilage, which is a rubbery material made of proteins and water that helps free movement of the joint. When people get older, their cartilage tissue can break down due to inflammation or injury and cause pain and discomfort in the joints.
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
Individuals who suffer from hip osteoarthritis will likely have problems walking and experience pain often described as a stabbing, sharp discomfort. Other symptoms can be joint stiffness, tenderness, “crunching” bones, and the inability to perform routine activities, such as putting socks or shoes on.
What can be done to help hip osteoarthritis?
- Regular exercise
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Wearing suitable footwear
- Reducing the strain on your joints during everyday activities
- Good posture at all times
- Regular stretching or yoga
What causes hip osteoarthritis?
According to Public Health England, around 1 in 9 adults over 45 years of age in England suffers from osteoarthritis of the hip. If you’re wondering what causes osteoarthritis of the hip, it is not entirely known, however, experiencing an injury, growing older, and being overweight can be contributing factors. Also, osteoarthritis can be hereditary and is more common in women than men.
Diagnosing osteoarthritis
Hip arthritis begins gradually and grows worse over time. It is important to get a diagnosis of hip arthritis if you think you have it. Depending on the kind of arthritis suspected, you may have to undergo tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, or others.
Treating osteoarthritis at Aberdeen Orthopaedics
Hip arthritis can be managed in plenty of various routes. The treatment you go for will depend on the severity of your arthritis and age. Procedures may consist of nonsurgical treatment, surgical methods, or a combination of both.
The consultants at Aberdeen Orthopaedics Network are dedicated to bringing the very best in modern orthopaedic care to Scotland. As this is a long-term condition, if you’re interested in speaking to one of our friendly ENT surgeons and hip specialists, we can offer the support and advice you need. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today.