Arthritis of the Hip - Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
{1} ##LOC[OK]## {1} ##LOC[OK]## ##LOC[Cancel]## {1} ##LOC[OK]## ##LOC[Cancel]## Toggle navigation Make An Appointment: Call: (314) 514-3500 Our Locations Center for Advanced Medicine - South County St. Louis Children's Specialty Care Center Center for Advanced Medicine St. Louis Children's Hospital Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital Washington University Orthopedics – Chesterfield Progress West Hospital St. Louis Area Office Locations View All Locations >> Our Location Go Find a Physician Specialties Injury Clinic Request an Appointment Training Programs News & Videos Back Foot & Ankle Hand & Wrist Hip & Knee Musculoskeletal Oncology Pediatric/Adolescent Orthopedics Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Shoulder & Elbow Spine Sports Medicine Trauma Workers' Compensation Living Well Center Back News Videos Washington University Orthopedics Find a Physician Specialties Foot & Ankle Hand & Wrist Hip & Knee Musculoskeletal Oncology Pediatric/Adolescent Orthopedics Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Shoulder & Elbow Spine Sports Medicine Trauma Workers' Compensation Living Well Center Patient Stories See all patient stories. Injury Clinic Request an Appointment Training Programs News & Videos News Videos Home Patient Care Services Hip & Knee Adult Reconstruction and Hip Preservation Overview Arthritis of the Hip {1} ##LOC[OK]## {1} ##LOC[OK]## ##LOC[Cancel]## {1} ##LOC[OK]## ##LOC[Cancel]## Arthritis of the Hip Arthritis is one of the most common causes of pain in the hip. Arthritis is a progressive disorder, which means that it typically starts gradually and gets worse with time. The term arthritis literally means “inflammation of the joint.” There are different types of arthritis that can affect the hip. The type of arthritis you have may affect your treatment options. Types of Arthritis There are five main types of arthritis that can affect the hip joint. They are: Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid arthritis Ankylosing spondylitis Systemic lupus erythematosus Psoriatic arthritis There is no cure for any type of arthritis, but there are ways to treat the pain and other associated symptoms. Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis means “arthritis of the bone” and is the most common form of arthritis. It is often described as the result of wear and tear on the joints, which explains why it is more common in older than younger people. The hip joint consists of the ball-shaped end of the thigh bone (femoral head) which fits into the hip socket (acetabular socket). The inside of this ball-and-socket joint is lined with smooth cartilage to help the joint move easily. If this smooth cartilage wears away, the remaining rough surfaces of the ball-and-socket grind against each other, causing pain. Over time, osteoarthritis can degenerate or permanently damage the joint. Osteoarthritis of the hip (and other parts of the body) has been associated with the following: Structural problems with the hip joint (hip dysplasia, femoroacetabular impingement) Advancing age Obesity Previous damage or injury to the hip However, osteoarthritis may develop in people without these risk factors. Figure a Figure b Two radiographs of a female patient showing acetabular dysplasia (a shallow hip socket). The patient started to have hip pain when she was 20 years-old (a). This hip dysplasia was not treated and 15 years later she had end-stage osteoarthritis of the hip (b). Note the complete loss of cartilage joint space between the ball and the socket over this 15-year interval. Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disorder, that is, it affects your entire body and not just the hip joint. The inflammation is related to an immune system response rather than wear and tear. The hip joint, like other joints in the body, is protected by a special capsule that completely surrounds the joint. This capsule has a special lining (the synovial lining) and is filled with lubricant (joint fluid) that helps the joint move smoothly. Rheumatoid arthritis typically causes a swelling of the synovial lining. This causes pain and swelling, but eventually, rheumatoid arthritis can cause the bone and cartilage of the joint itself to deteriorate. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur in people of all ages, including children (where it is known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis), and is more common in women than men. Unlike osteoarthritis of the hip, which may occur only in one hip, rheumatoid arthritis typically occurs in both hips at the same time (and possibly other joints). Rheumatoid arthritis is also associated with overall weakness and fatigue. Medications to treat rheumatoid arthritis continue to improve. Ankylosing spondylitis Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joint (the joint where the spine meets the pelvis) which can sometimes cause inflammation of the hip joint. Ankylosing spondylitis can occur in people of all ages, including children, and typically starts in a person between the ages of 17 and 35. It is more common in men than women. It is typical for people with ankylosing spondylitis to experience flares, when the condition is worse, followed by periods of remission with mild to no symptoms. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Systemic lupus erythematosus or lupus is a systemic autoimmune disorder that can affect any part of the body, including the hip joint. If lupus strikes the hip, inflammation and damage to the joint can occur. Lupus can occur in people of all ages but it is most common in women aged 15 to 35. Psoriatic Arthritis As the name sounds, this type of arthritis is related to the skin condition psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness and can affect any joint in the body, including the hip. Most people with psoriatic arthritis have the skin condition first (scaly red patches of skin) but it is possible to develop psoriatic arthritis before the skin condition occurs. Arthritis Symptoms Regardless of the type of arthritis, symptoms of hip arthritis include: Pain in the hip joint that may include pain in the groin, outer thigh, or buttocks Pain that is typically worse in the morning and lessens with activity Difficulty walking or walking with a limp Pain that worsens with vigorous or extended activity Stiffness in the hip or limited range of motion In patients with rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, fatigue and weakness may also occur. Arthritis often occurs in flares with remission, but some people experience a relatively stable level of pain without flares. Any type of arthritis can involve more than one joint in the body, so a person with osteoarthritis of the hands may develop the condition in the hip as well. Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus typically affect both hips at the same time, while osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis may occur in one hip but not the other. Diagnosis If you suspect you may have arthritis of the hip, the most important first step is an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Clohisy and his colleagues are experts in arthritis of the hip. A diagnostic evaluation will likely include the following: Your medical history, including where you experience pain and if you limp at times A physical examination, in particular to see how well you can move the hip Radiographs or X-rays to determine if there are any abnormalities in the joint Blood tests to determine antibodies that may be associated with a specific type of arthritis (only if needed). Treatment The Joint Preservation, Resurfacing and Replacement department will prescribe the type of treatment that is appropriate for your particular type of arthritis and other factors, including your overall health, your age, and your personal preferences. Nonsurgical treatment of arthritis of the hip may include any of the following: Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen Corticosteroids, injections to block the inflammation in the joint. Physical therapy or exercise programs to improve flexibility, build up strength, and maintain muscle tone. Swimming, in particular, is an excellent exercise for arthritis sufferers. Some types of arthritis may respond to new categories of drugs known as symptom-modifying antirheumatic drugs (SMARDs) and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These are powerful new drugs, which are not appropriate for everyone with arthritis. Devices such as canes or walkers to make it easier and safer for you to walk. Lifestyle modifications can also help to reduce the symptoms of arthritis of the hip. 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 Many people with arthritis with the hip are candidates for surgery. Surgery can help to reduce pain, enhance quality of life, and improve your ability to perform everyday activities with fewer or no restrictions. Total hip replacement may be appropriate if the hip joint is severely damaged Osteotomy surgery may be appropriate in less severe cases. Hip osteotomy surgery cuts and repositions the joint surfaces in such a way that it allows the healthy part of the hip joint to bear most of the body’s weight. Only a select group of patients are candidates for osteotomy surgery. If you are an appropriate candidate for hip surgery, the risks and benefits of your surgical options will be discussed. Important Considerations for People with Arthritis of the Hip There is no cure for arthritis. Typically, it starts gradually and worsens over time. Eventually, all forms of arthritis of the hip may permanently damage the hip joint. While osteoarthritis is more common in older people, there are forms of arthritis that affect younger people. Fortunately, there are things that can be done to help minimize the effect of arthritis, and we are glad to discuss these option. Arthritis Statistics 22% of the U.S. population in 2010 reported some form of arthritis Among adults over 65, 50% have some form of arthritis The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis Weight loss of just 11 pounds can reduce a woman’s risk of developing knee arthritis by 50% Of working age people (ages 18 to 64), one-third of those who had arthritis reported it limited their ability to work (Statistics from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Call (314) 514-3500 Make an Appointment Online Make an Appointment Preferred Location First Available Center for Advanced Medicine Center for Advanced Medicine – South County Outpatient Orthopedic Center in Chesterfield St. Louis Children's Hospital St. Louis Children’s Specialty Care Center Barnes Jewish West County Hospital Progress West Hospital Preferred Day Select a Day No Preference Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Continue COVID-19 Information Sports Medicine Section Our Sports Team Affiliations Doctor Search Accepted Insurance Plans Patient Forms Patient Stories Directions and Maps Our Locations Center for Advanced Medicine 4921 Parkview Place 6th Floor, Suites A & B; 12th Floor, Suite A St. Louis, MO 63110 (314) 514-3500 View this location View all locations St. Louis Children's Hospital One Children's Place Suite 1B St. Louis, MO 63110 (314) 514-3500 View this location View all locations St. Louis Children's Hospital Specialty Care Center 13001 N Outer Forty Road Suite 1C Town and Country, MO 63017 (314) 514-3500 View this location View all locations Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Orthopedic Center 14532 S. 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