Arthritis is a broad term for conditions that produce inflammation and symptoms within a joint. In the hip, arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, reduced motion, limping, and difficulty walking or performing daily activities. The type of arthritis matters because treatment differs by cause.
Types of Hip Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form. It is a progressive whole-joint disease involving deterioration of articular cartilage, changes in underlying bone, and variable inflammation of the joint lining. It may develop gradually or following previous injury.
Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, is immune-mediated and may require treatment from a rheumatologist in addition to orthopedic evaluation.
Osteonecrosis, also called avascular necrosis (AVN), is not itself arthritis. AVN occurs when blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted. As the bone weakens, it can collapse, damage the overlying cartilage, and produce secondary hip arthritis.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Hip arthritis commonly causes groin, thigh, buttock, or referred knee pain; stiffness; loss of rotation; difficulty with stairs, vehicles, shoes, and socks; limping; and sleep disruption. Tendon problems, bursitis, AVN, and lower-back conditions can produce similar symptoms.
The provider assesses gait, motion, strength, alignment, and tenderness. X-rays can show joint-space narrowing, osteophytes, deformity, and later-stage collapse. Early AVN may not appear on X-ray. MRI may be ordered through an outside imaging facility when AVN or another diagnosis is suspected. Blood testing may be appropriate if inflammatory arthritis is suspected.
Treatment
Osteoarthritis treatment may include activity modification, physical therapy, medication, weight management when relevant, a walking aid, or corticosteroid injection. Inflammatory arthritis may require rheumatology-directed disease-modifying medication. Nonsurgical treatment cannot reverse established cartilage loss but may reduce symptoms and maintain function.
Total hip replacement may be considered when advanced arthritis or femoral-head collapse causes persistent pain, sleep disruption, limited walking, or loss of independence despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment.
Locations
Our orthopedic team provides evaluation and treatment at clinics in New Braunfels, Seguin, Cuero, Kenedy, Hallettsville, and Yoakum. Services and provider availability vary by location.