Hip Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative condition often called “wear and tear” which affects many individuals throughout ageing. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint but is often felt most in joints which takes a lot of weightbearing. There is usually loss of the articular cartilage within the joint which helps to reduce friction, classified by increased “bone on bone” feeling.

Everyday activities can be impacted by increased pain and stiffness such as when bending over to put on shoes, transferring from sit to stand or when going for walks. It is best to start treatment as soon as possible as over time the degeneration usually worsens and therefore appropriate treatment can prevent further impact on day-to-day activities. There is no cure for osteoarthritis but there are various treatment options which can help prevent deterioration and help manage pain.

More common in

• Individuals over the age of 50 or in the elderly
• Can occur in younger individuals who participate in sports or activities which excessive running, jumping

Causes

• Family predisposition
• Increased BMI, obesity
• Previous injury to the hip joint
• Increasing age
• Increased in people suffering from hip anatomy malformation such as development dysplasia

Symptoms

• Spain which develops slowly and worsens through time
• Pain and stiffness worse in the morning or after sitting/ resting
• Pain during the night or at rest
• Locking or sticking of joint
• Crepitus- grinding sound by movement
• Decreased range of motion – can cause limping or affect walking ability
• Worse pain with colder climates

Treatment

• Activity modification- avoid or reduce aggravating activities
• Switching form high impact activities (i.e. running or jumping) to lower impact (walking or swimming)
• Decreasing weight through joints through lifestyle changes which aims to decrease weight through the hip joint
• Soft tissue massage can be helpful in pain management and increasing circulation to the area
• Strengthening surrounding muscles through an individualized exercise program which will help support the joint
• Participating in a pilates program regularly
• Use of a gait aid to improve gait and promote better hip mechanics