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Staying Healthy Exercise and Arthritis videoIn many areas, nonessential orthopaedic procedures that were postponed due to COVID-19 have resumed. For information:Questions and Answers for Patients Regarding Elective Surgery and COVID-19. For patients whose procedures have not yet been rescheduled:What to Do If Your Orthopaedic Surgery Is Postponed.
Osteoarthritis, sometimes called "wear-and-tear arthritis," is a common condition that many people develop as they age. It can occur in any joint in the body, but most often develops in weight-bearing joints, such as the hip.
Osteoarthritis of the hip causes pain and stiffness. It can make it hard to do everyday activities like bending over to tie a shoe, rising from a chair, or taking a short walk.
Because osteoarthritis gradually worsens over time, the sooner you start treatment, the more likely it is that you can lessen its impact on your life. Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are many treatment options to help you manage pain and stay active.
Anatomy
The hip is one of the body's largest joints. It is a ball-and-socket joint. The socket is formed by the acetabulum, which is part of the large pelvis bone. The ball is the femoral head, which is the upper end of the femur (thighbone).
The bone surfaces of the ball and socket are covered with articular cartilage, a smooth, slippery substance that protects and cushions the bones and enables them to move easily.
The surface of the joint is covered by a thin lining called the synovium. In a healthy hip, the synovium produces a small amount of fluid that lubricates the cartilage and aids in movement.
The normal anatomy of the hip.
Description
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative type of arthritis that occurs most often in people 50 years of age and older, though it may occur in younger people, too.
A hip damaged by osteoarthritis.
In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the hip joint gradually wears away over time. As the cartilage wears away, it becomes frayed and rough, and the protective joint space between the bones decreases. This can result in bone rubbing on bone. To make up for the lost cartilage, the damaged bones may start to grow outward and form bone spurs (osteophytes).
Osteoarthritis develops slowly and the pain it causes worsens over time.
Watch: Osteoarthritis of the Hip Animation
Cause
Osteoarthritis has no single specific cause, but there are certain factors that may make you more likely to develop the disease, including:
- Increasing age
- Family history of osteoarthritis
- Previous injury to the hip joint
- Obesity
- Improper formation of the hip joint at birth, a condition known as developmental dysplasia of the hip
You can still develop osteoarthritis even if you don't have any of the risk factors listed above.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of hip osteoarthritis is pain. This hip pain develops slowly and worsens over time, although sudden onset is also possible. Pain and stiffness may be worse in the morning, or after sitting or resting for a while. Over time, painful symptoms may occur more frequently, including during rest or at night. Additional symptoms may include:
- Pain in your groin or thigh that radiates to your buttocks or your knee
- 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
- Decreased range of motion in the hip that affects the ability to walk and may cause a limp
- Increased joint pain with rainy weather
Doctor Examination
During your appointment, your doctor will talk with you about your symptoms and medical history, conduct a physical examination, and possibly order diagnostic tests, such as X-rays.
Physical Examination
During the physical examination, your doctor will look for:
- Tenderness around the hip
- Range of passive (assisted) and active (self-directed) motion
- Crepitus (a grating sensation inside the joint) with movement
- Pain when pressure is placed on the hip
- Problems with your gait (the way you walk)
- Any signs of injury to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the hip
Imaging Tests
X-rays. X-rays provide detailed pictures of dense structures, such as bones. X-rays of an arthritic hip may show a narrowing of the joint space, changes in the bone, and the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes).
(Left) In this X-ray of a normal hip, the space between the ball and socket indicates healthy cartilage. (Right) This X-ray of an arthritic hip shows severe loss of joint space.
In this X-ray of an arthritic hip, the arrow indicates a large bone spur (osteophyte) at the bottom of the femoral head.
Other imaging tests. Occasionally, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or a computerized tomography (CT) scan may be needed to better determine the condition of the bone and soft tissues of your hip.
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Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are a number of treatment options that will help relieve pain and improve mobility.
Nonsurgical Treatment
As with other arthritic conditions, early treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip is nonsurgical. Your doctor may recommend a range of nonsurgical treatment options.
Lifestyle modifications. Some changes in your daily life can protect your hip joint and slow the progress of osteoarthritis.
- Minimizing activities that aggravate the condition, such as climbing stairs.
- Switching from high-impact activities (like jogging or tennis) to lower impact activities (like swimming or cycling) will put less stress on your hip.
- Losing weight can reduce stress on the hip joint, resulting in less pain and increased function.
Physical therapy. Specific exercises can help increase range of motion and flexibility, as well as strengthen the muscles in your hip and leg. Your doctor or physical therapist can help develop an individualized exercise program that meets your needs and lifestyle.
Assistive devices. Using walking supports like a cane, crutches, or a walker can improve mobility and independence. Using assistive aids like a long-handled reacher to pick up low-lying things will help you avoid movements that may cause pain.
Medications. If your pain affects your daily routine, or is not relieved by other nonsurgical methods, your doctor may add medication to your treatment plan.
- Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) is an over-the-counter pain reliever that can be effective in reducing mild arthritis pain. Like all medications, however, over-the-counter pain relievers can cause side effects and interact with other medications you are taking. Be sure to discuss potential side effects with your doctor.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter NSAIDs include naproxen and ibuprofen. Other NSAIDs are available by prescription.
- Corticosteroids (also known as cortisone) are powerful anti-inflammatory agents that can be taken by mouth or injected into the painful joint.
Surgical Treatment
Your doctor may recommend surgery if your pain from arthritis causes disability and is not relieved with nonsurgical treatment.
Total hip replacement.Your doctor will remove both the damaged acetabulum and femoral head, and then position new metal, plastic or ceramic joint surfaces to restore the function of your hip.
In total hip replacement, both the head of the femur and the socket are replaced with an artificial device.
Watch: Total Hip Replacement Animation
Hip resurfacing.In this hip replacement procedure, the damaged bone and cartilage in the acetabulum (hip socket) is removed and replaced with a metal shell. The head of the femur, however, is not removed, but instead capped with a smooth metal covering.
Osteotomy. Either the head of the thighbone or the socket is cut and realigned to take pressure off the hip joint. This procedure is used only rarely to treat osteoarthritis of the hip.
Complications.Although complications are possible with any surgery, your doctor will take steps to minimize the risks. The most common complications of surgery include:
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Blood clots
- Hip dislocation
- Limb length inequality
- Damage to blood vessels or arteries
Recovery
After any type of surgery for osteoarthritis of the hip, there is a period of recovery. Recovery time and rehabilitation depends on the type of surgery performed.
Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help you regain strength in your hip and restore range of motion. After your procedure, you may need to use a cane, crutches, or a walker for a time.
In most cases, surgery relieves the pain of osteoarthritis and makes it possible to perform daily activities more easily.
To assist doctors in the management of hip osteoarthritis, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has conducted research to provide some useful guidelines. These are recommendations only and may not apply to every case. For more information:Osteoarthritis of the Hip - Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) | American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (aaos.org)
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Staying Healthy Exercise and Arthritis video
Information on this topic is also available as an OrthoInfo Basics PDF Handout.
For more information:
Basics Handouts
FAQs
What is the best treatment for osteoarthritis of the hips? ›
The first line of treatment of hip arthritis includes activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, hip injections and weight loss. Weight loss helps decrease the force that goes across the hip joint. Giving up activities that make the pain worse may make this condition bearable for some people.
What are the stages of hip osteoarthritis? ›Stages of Osteoarthritis of the Hip
Stage 1: Minor wear and tear of the hip joints and minor bone spurs, often with little to no pain. Stage 2: The cartilage begins to break down, and bone spur growths are often visible on X-rays. Symptoms include pain, discomfort and stiffness in the hip.
The first one we'll go over is basically the single leg. Pull in or the hugging of the knee go ahead
Is there a new treatment for osteoarthritis hip? ›There's no cure for OA of the hip, but there are ways to slow its progress and manage symptoms. Lifestyle options include weight management, exercise, avoiding stress, and following a healthy diet. Medical options include over-the-counter and prescription medications.
How serious is osteoarthritis of the hip? ›Osteoarthritis of the hip is common and can result in severe hip joint pain and disability. as a result of this condition, several hundred thousand people each year in the U.S. undergo total hip replacement. Most people with osteoarthritis of the hip can be managed without surgery.
How do you stop osteoarthritis from progressing? ›- Maintain a Healthy Weight. Excess weight puts additional pressure on weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees. ...
- Control Blood Sugar. ...
- Get Physical. ...
- Protect Joints. ...
- Choose a Healthy Lifestyle.
Experts confirm that once OA starts, it may take years to reach a severe stage. However, in extreme cases, OA progresses rapidly to complete the destruction of the cartilage within a few months. Some of the factors that determine the rate of OA progression include: The severity of your symptoms at the time of diagnosis.
What causes hip osteoarthritis to flare up? ›The most common triggers of an OA flare are overdoing an activity or trauma to the joint. Other triggers can include bone spurs, stress, repetitive motions, cold weather, a change in barometric pressure, an infection or weight gain.
When is it too late to get a hip replacement? ›Adults of any age can be considered for a hip replacement, although most are done on people between the ages of 60 and 80. A modern artificial hip joint is designed to last for at least 15 years. Most people have a significant reduction in pain and improvement in their range of movement.
What exercises should you not do with osteoarthritis? ›You may need to avoid activities that put too much strain on the joints, such as running and sports that involve jumping, quick turns, or sudden stops — tennis and basketball, for example. Swimming and pool exercises have several advantages for people with osteoarthritis. Warm water is soothing to muscles and joints.
Does sitting aggravate hip arthritis? ›
Different kinds of arthritis can cause the protective cartilage covering of the hip joint to wear out. This leads to pain when sitting because you have to bend your hip joints when you sit. Arthritis can lead to painful rubbing and swelling in the hip joint when you're sitting.
What aggravates hip arthritis? ›Hip arthritis can flare up due to overexertion or carrying out repetitive movements. The sudden or unexpected activity can also cause stress on the joints, causing pain.
What are 2 treatments for osteoarthritis? ›...
Other things to try include:
- Movement therapies. ...
- Heat and cold. ...
- Capsaicin. ...
- Braces or shoe inserts. ...
- Assistive devices.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling.
A corticosteroid shot helps relieve joint pain by decreasing inflammation in and around a joint. These medications are used in people who have osteoarthritis because the disease frequently leads to joint pain, tenderness and swelling, especially in the hands, knees, hips and spine.
When does a hip need surgery for arthritis? ›If pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis of the hip limit your ability to participate in everyday activities, and if other types of treatment haven't been successful, doctors may recommend surgery to remove damaged cartilage or replace the arthritic joint with long-lasting artificial parts.
What are the first signs of needing a hip replacement? ›- You experience pain when you walk. ...
- You are experiencing a limited range of motion in your hip joint. ...
- You are limping or experiencing limpness in one leg. ...
- You have swelling or tenderness in your hip. ...
- You have a feeling of instability in your hip joint.
Osteoarthritis could lead to chondrolysis, which is a complete breakdown of the cartilage, leading to loose joint tissue material. Osteonecrosis, which is bone death, is another possible issue. Repeated stress or injury could cause stress fractures, which are hairline cracks in the bone near the affected joint.
How quickly does osteoarthritis spread? ›Osteoarthritis is generally a slowly progressive disorder. However, at least 1 in 7 people with incident knee osteoarthritis develop an abrupt progression to advanced-stage radiographic disease, many within 12 months.
Is coffee good for osteoarthritis? ›Caffeine intake has been found to negatively affect the growth of cartilage and bone, which could increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis. A study published in 2020 recommends avoiding or limiting caffeine intake to prevent osteoarthritis.
What can make osteoarthritis worse? ›
Being overweight or obese often makes osteoarthritis worse, as it places extra strain on some of your joints. To find out if you are overweight or obese, use the healthy weight calculator. If you're overweight or obese, try to lose weight by doing more physical activity and eating a healthier diet.
How can I prevent my hip arthritis from getting worse? ›Exercises that reduce the load on your joints, such as swimming and cycling, are recommended for treating hip osteoarthritis. Water-based exercises are particularly good for treating hip osteoarthritis, as the water takes the weight of your body and reduces the strain on your hips.
Does walking worsen osteoarthritis? ›Walking is recommended for people with arthritis as it's low impact, helps to keep the joints flexible, helps bone health and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. If you do experience pain or you're very stiff afterwards try doing a bit less, factor in more rest and check in with your GP, if you need to.
Does osteoarthritis hurt all the time? ›Osteoarthritis affects each person differently. For some people, osteoarthritis is relatively mild and does not affect day-to-day activities. For others, it causes significant pain and disability. Joint damage usually develops gradually over years, although it could worsen quickly in some people.
Are squats good for hip osteoarthritis? ›Done properly, squats take the pain out of your hips: The glute muscles are external rotators and they take the pressure off the hip joint. So if you have achy hips or arthritic hips, stronger butt muscles actually literally open up the hip joint and take the pressure off the hip pinching.
How should I sleep with hip arthritis? ›Side sleepers should lie on the hip that isn't painful, and place one or more pillows between the legs. When lying on your back, place a pillow or rolled up blanket beneath your knees and possibly another under the small of your back. When sleeping on your back, place pillows beneath your knees.
Is cycling good for hip arthritis? ›Hip osteoarthritis and cycling
By moving, the complaints can be reduced. This is because the cartilage is kept flexible by moving. Cycling is an excellent way to slow down the progression of osteoarthritis. Cycling also strengthens and improves your muscles, tendons and condition.
While most hip replacements are performed in patients between 60 and 80 years of age, older or younger age is not a contraindication to surgery. Hip replacement is occasionally performed in patients in their teens and early twenties.
How long are you on bed rest after a hip replacement? ›Most people will fully recover from hip replacement surgery within a few months to a year, but recovery times vary for each patient. Expect about one to four days of bed rest immediately after surgery, but physical rehabilitation usually starts the same day as your procedure.
Is cycling good for osteoarthritis? ›And studies show cycling may help reduce arthritis symptoms: A study published in the Journal of Rheumatology found both cycling exercise training and swimming significantly reduced joint pain, stiffness, and physical limitations, and enhanced quality of life in middle-aged and older adults with osteoarthritis (OA).
Does stretching help hip arthritis? ›
The types of exercise that can help ease arthritis pain may include: Range-of-motion and stretching exercises (to help maintain and improve flexibility) Strengthening exercises (to work your muscles a little harder) Aerobic exercise, like swimming or biking (to improve cardiovascular health and control your weight)
Are stairs good for osteoarthritis? ›Climbing and descending stairs is particularly difficult for people with knee arthritis. Arthritis causes degeneration of the cartilage that cushions the knee joint. Without protective cushioning, the act of climbing stairs becomes uncomfortable.
What is the fastest way to relieve hip pain? ›- Rest. Avoid repeated bending at the hip and direct pressure on the hip. ...
- Pain relievers. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) may help ease your hip pain.
- Ice or heat.
Single Leg Stand Test | Clinical Physio - YouTube
What are the best stretches for your hips? ›- Foam roller stretch. You can use a foam roller to loosen up tight hips. ...
- Kneeling hip flexor stretch. You can do this stretch daily to help loosen your hip flexor. ...
- Pigeon stretch. ...
- Spiderman stretch. ...
- Butterfly stretch. ...
- Horizontal squat stretch. ...
- Sitting stretch.
Symptoms of Hip OA
Pain in the groin is the most common symptom. You may also feel pain in the thigh, buttocks or down your leg to the knee. Crepitus is the grinding noise and “locking” or “sticking” that you feel when you move your hip. Stiffness in the hip joint makes it difficult to walk or bend.
...
These include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight (and losing weight, if necessary)
- Appropriate pain management.
- Changing activities to minimize stress on the hip.
- Exercising to build up strength.
Benefits of massage therapy for Arthritis - YouTube
What causes hip osteoarthritis to flare up? ›The most common triggers of an OA flare are overdoing an activity or trauma to the joint. Other triggers can include bone spurs, stress, repetitive motions, cold weather, a change in barometric pressure, an infection or weight gain.
What aggravates hip arthritis? ›Hip arthritis can flare up due to overexertion or carrying out repetitive movements. The sudden or unexpected activity can also cause stress on the joints, causing pain.
What are the first signs of needing a hip replacement? ›
- You experience pain when you walk. ...
- You are experiencing a limited range of motion in your hip joint. ...
- You are limping or experiencing limpness in one leg. ...
- You have swelling or tenderness in your hip. ...
- You have a feeling of instability in your hip joint.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling.
...
High-impact activities that can worsen symptoms of osteoarthritis in your hips or knees include:
- Running.
- Jumping.
- Deep squatting and bending.
- Stair climbing.
- Hiking.
- Prolonged standing.
- Red meat and fried foods. Fried foods and red meat contain high levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are known for stimulating inflammation. ...
- Sugars. ...
- Dairy. ...
- Refined carbohydrates. ...
- Alcohol and tobacco.
Done properly, squats take the pain out of your hips: The glute muscles are external rotators and they take the pressure off the hip joint. So if you have achy hips or arthritic hips, stronger butt muscles actually literally open up the hip joint and take the pressure off the hip pinching.
How should I sleep with hip arthritis? ›Side sleepers should lie on the hip that isn't painful, and place one or more pillows between the legs. When lying on your back, place a pillow or rolled up blanket beneath your knees and possibly another under the small of your back. When sleeping on your back, place pillows beneath your knees.
Is stretching good for hip arthritis? ›Gently stretching and exercising the hips can help relieve pain, increase mobility, and strengthen muscles.
Is cycling good for hip arthritis? ›Hip osteoarthritis and cycling
By moving, the complaints can be reduced. This is because the cartilage is kept flexible by moving. Cycling is an excellent way to slow down the progression of osteoarthritis. Cycling also strengthens and improves your muscles, tendons and condition.
AGE. While most hip replacements are performed in patients between 60 and 80 years of age, older or younger age is not a contraindication to surgery. Hip replacement is occasionally performed in patients in their teens and early twenties.
Will an xray show if I need a hip replacement? ›When tests like X-rays and MRIs show severe osteoarthritis, it can also signal the need for you to undergo hip replacement surgery.
When is it time for hip replacement? ›
How do you know when you need a hip replacement? - YouTube
Why can't I use Voltaren on my hip? ›Why can't I use Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for shoulders, hips, etc.? Voltaren has not been studied for the relief of arthritis pain in the shoulders, hips, and back.
What is the drug of choice for osteoarthritis? ›Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Over-the-counter NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), taken at the recommended doses, typically relieve osteoarthritis pain.
Walking is recommended for people with arthritis as it's low impact, helps to keep the joints flexible, helps bone health and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. If you do experience pain or you're very stiff afterwards try doing a bit less, factor in more rest and check in with your GP, if you need to.