Hip Osteoarthritis
What is Hip Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder worldwide, affecting approximately 10% of the population, and the hip is the second most commonly affected joint. But being diagnosed with osteoarthritis doesn’t mean your condition will get worse. The good news is that there’s a lot you can do to improve your symptoms.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It affects the cartilage within the hip joint. This cartilage acts as a natural suspension and cushioning within the joint. Gradually over time, the cartilage can thin and the bag (capsule) which surrounds the joint can become irritable. Interestingly, we now know that these changes within the joint can occur without pain but sometimes these changes can cause symptoms.
While many people with osteoarthritis of the hip won’t have any symptoms, those who do can have a wide range of experiences.
Symptoms may include:
- Most commonly, the groin, buttock and/or thigh can feel painful and stiff. Pain can radiate down the leg into the knee and even the ankle.
- Your hip may feel particularly stiff in the morning, and more painful at night.
- Some people find that pain wakes them up at night.
- You might notice that your hip makes crunching or grinding noises. These noises are harmless and nothing to worry about as it is a common symptom of the condition.
- Pain can occur with activities such as walking, putting socks and shoes on, getting in and out of a car and even getting up after sitting for a while.
What causes osteoarthritis of the hip?
The exact cause of osteoarthritis is often not known, as there can be quite a few reasons why a person develops the condition. Osteoarthritis is common and can affect people of any age, but it usually starts in people over the age of 45. Our genetics will likely play a big part in our risk of developing osteoarthritis. Previous trauma or injuries to the hip or other joint problems, such as gout, can also increase the chance of developing osteoarthritis in the hip.
The pain associated with osteoarthritis is not simply just the result of the changes in the joint, in fact, research has shown that pain is influenced by a wide range of factors, including:
- carrying excessive weight, particularly around the middle.
- muscle weakness.
- smoking.
- inactivity or over-activity.
- life changes, including periods of stress or illness.
- Poor mental health such as depression or anxiety.
- Other physical health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- You have severe hip pain after a fall or injury.
- You’re unable to walk or put weight on your leg.
- You have any tingling or loss of feeling in your hip or leg after an injury.
- You have severe hip pain and generally feel unwell and have a high temperature or feel hot and shivery.
Facts about Osteoarthritis of the hip
Osteoarthritis can often present on an x-ray in those who do not have symptoms. This is because pain is influenced by more than just the changes you can see on an x-ray.
For example, research has shown that a 10% reduction of body weight (if you are overweight) results in a 50% reduction in pain. Evidence also shows that not being afraid to use your hip and a positive mindset about the joint will increase your chances of making meaningful improvements in your symptoms and function.
In fact, exercise is the best thing you can do for the health of the hip joint. Moving the joint and strengthening the muscles around the painful joint reduces pain and improves functional capacity of the hip.