Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of hip arthritis. Also called wear-and-tear arthritis or degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis is characterized by progressive wearing away of cartilage in the joint.
Symptoms tend to progress as the condition worsens. However, patients can often experience good months and bad months or symptom changes corresponding to weather states.
The most common symptoms of hip arthritis are:
- Pain with activities
- Limited range of motion
- Stiffness of the hip
- Walking with a limp
Diagnosis:
- Physical examination
- X-rays
- Treatments include:
- Weight loss if necessary
- Activity modification
- Walking aids
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Joint supplements
- Hip replacement surgery
- Hip resurfacing surgery: an alternative to hip replacement, some patients opt to pursue hip resurfacing or partial hip replacement, affecting only the arthritic element.
