Hip arthritis is a condition in which there is loss of cartilage on the head of the thigh bone and of the socket of the pelvis where the thigh bone fits into the joint.

What causes hip joint arthritis?

Hip arthritis may be caused by many factors, including simple wear and tear, inflammatory disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, infections, or injury.

Hip arthritis typically occurs in middle aged or elderly patients, though body weight, activity level, and one's unique structure of the hip joint are also factors. Hip arthritis also runs in families, so some patients are genetically predisposed to the condition.

What does hip joint arthritis feel like?

Symptoms of hip arthritis include:

• Hip joint pain, specifically in the groin and side of the hip (which increases during activity)
• Stiffness in the hip
• Limited range of motion
• Limping while walking
• Clicking or catching feeling within the hip

If you experience these arthritis symptoms regularly, you should speak with your doctor about available hip arthritis treatments.

How do I know if I have hip arthritis?

A physical examination by your doctor, with focus on your pain and range of motion, will help with diagnosis and rule out other possible underlying conditions, including hip bursitis and avascular necrosis.

X-ray imaging also provides insight as to whether there is cartilage loss. X-rays reflective of bone loss show a loss of space between the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum).

How is hip arthritis treated?

Depending on the severity of the symptoms, condition, age, and other factors, hip arthritis may be managed in a number of different ways including any or a combination of the following treatments:

• Oral medicines and supplements: To assist with hip joint pain management, anti-inflammatory medicines are commonly prescribed. Oral glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are often recommended, as they promote healthy cartilage metabolism.
• Activity modification: Limiting certain activities, especially those that require repetitive motion, can help alleviate arthritis symptoms. Walking aids such as a single crutch or a cane can also help keep pressure off of the hip.
• Weight loss: For overweight patients, it is recommended that they lose weight. The less weight and pressure on the joint, the less painful activities will be. One of the only grade A recommendations for treatment of arthritis of any lower extremity joint is weight loss. Even small amounts of weight loss can be beneficial.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy may help strengthen the muscles around the joint and help maintain functional use of the hip joint.

In severe cases of hip arthritis, surgery may be recommended. Common surgical procedures include:

• Hip arthroscopy: This minimally invasive surgical option may be appropriate for some patients with early-onset arthritis who have pain with specific positions and activities.
• Hip replacement surgery: The damaged joint surface is removed and replaced with an artificial implant. Resurfacing procedures are also offered for patients with hip joint arthritis.
• Osteotomy: The arthritic bone is rotated away from the hip joint, so the weight is carried on the healthier parts of the hip joint. This option is typically recommended to younger, healthier arthritis patients

Duke Orthopaedics treats hip arthritis at locations throughout North Carolina, including Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill.

Hip Arthritis Treatment Videos

Hip Arthritis

Watch an educational video about hip joint arthritis.

Total Hip Replacement

At Duke Orthopaedics, our doctors offer total hip replacement for patients with advanced hip arthritis. The following video demonstrates this procedure.