Hip Arthritis

Arthritis means inflammation of a joint. There are many different causes for hip arthritis but the main symptoms people present with are pain and stiffness.

The following are common causes of hip arthritis:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as 'Wear and Tear' arthritis, is the most common cause of hip arthritis. It is a chronic condition characterized by the breakdown of the joint's cartilage (the part of the joint that cushions the ends of the bones and allows easy movement of joints). The breakdown of cartilage causes the bones to rub against each other, causing stiffness, pain and loss of movement in the joint.

It is thought that osteoarthritis dates back to ancient humans. Evidence of osteoarthritis has been found in ice-aged skeletons. Despite the longevity and frequency of the disease, the cause is still not completely known and there is no cure. In fact, many different factors may play a role in whether or not you get OA, including:

  • Age
  • Obesity
  • Injury or overuse
  • Genetics

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease, mainly characterized by inflammation of the lining, or synovium, of the joints. It can lead to long-term joint damage, resulting in chronic pain, loss of function and disability.

Rheumatoid arthritis progresses in three stages:

  1. Swelling of the synovial lining, causing pain, warmth, stiffness, redness and swelling around the joint
  2. The rapid division and growth of cells, or pannus, which causes the synovium to thicken
  3. The inflamed cells release enzymes that may digest bone and cartilage, often causing the involved joint to lose its shape and alignment, more pain, and loss of movement.

Xray normal and Rheumatoid hip missing

Other Conditions

Several other systemic diseases can also involve the hip joint leading to arthritis. These include:

  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Gout
  • Pseudo gout
  • Disease processes like Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis).

Treatment of each condition is tailored to each individual. When conservative and none surgical options have been exhausted it may be recommended by your clinician that hip replacement surgery would be of benefit.