Learn about Hip Osteoarthritis: Understanding Hip Pain

When the cartilage in your hip wears down, even simple movements can hurt. Over time, pain and stiffness take over, making it harder to stay active or even rest comfortably. Hip osteoarthritis doesn’t go away on its own. It’s a degenerative joint disease that worsens over time, causing severe pain, swelling, limited movement, and impacting everyday activities.

Raising awareness about this common yet serious condition is the first step toward reducing its impact and improving quality of life. So our hip specialists at Divi Orthopaedic help break hip osteoarthritis down to its causes, symptoms, and its impact on daily daily life. If you are already experiencing hip pain or mobility problems, we recommend consulting our hip specialists right away.

What does osteoarthritis of the hip feel like?

What does osteoarthritis of the hip feel like?

Osteoarthritis of the hip is a condition that manifests in a variety of symptoms, and the experience can be unique to each individual. Here’s a brief overview of the potential sensations:

  • Pain: The most noticeable symptom is pain, often felt in the hip joint or nearby areas like the groin or thigh. This pain can range from a dull ache to sharp discomfort. Walking, standing for long periods, or climbing stairs can worsen it.
  • Stiffness: Many people with hip osteoarthritis notice stiffness, especially after sitting or sleeping. While it often eases with movement, it may take a while—mornings can be particularly challenging.
  • Decreased Range of Motion: Over time, osteoarthritis can limit how much you can move your hip. Everyday activities like bending, squatting, or even putting on your shoes may feel like a struggle.
  • Grinding Sensation: Some report a grinding or grating feeling in the hip joint. This happens when cartilage wears away, leaving bones to rub against each other.
  • Discomfort in Surrounding Areas: The pain can radiate to the groin, thigh, or buttocks, sometimes making it tricky to pinpoint the problem.
  • Instability: A weak or unstable feeling in the hip is also familiar, which can lead to concerns about balance or fear of falling.

Not everyone will experience all these symptoms, and factors like overall health, pain tolerance, and activity level can affect how it feels. If you’re noticing these signs or dealing with persistent hip pain, don’t wait—consult Dr. Divyesh Bukalsaria for a proper diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan that can bring relief and improve your quality of life.

Types and Causes of Hip Osteoarthritis

Understanding the types and causes of hip osteoarthritis is crucial as it can help you get the correct diagnosis and care. Here’s what you need to know:

Osteoarthritis of the Hip

This progressive condition is caused mainly by aging, as gradual wear and tear on the hip joint leads to cartilage breakdown. Over time, it results in pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Some people might develop osteoarthritis faster due to irregular bone structures in the hip.

Stages of Osteoarthritis of the Hip:

  • Stage 1: Minor wear and tear with little to no pain.
  • Stage 2: Cartilage begins breaking down, and bone spurs become visible. Symptoms include mild pain and stiffness.
  • Stage 3: Significant cartilage erosion with more noticeable pain during daily activities.
  • Stage 4: Severe cartilage loss, causing chronic pain and inflammation.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Hip

RA is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks the joint tissues. It often starts with smaller joints but can eventually affect the hip, causing inflammation that damages cartilage over time.

Post-Traumatic Hip Arthritis

Past injuries, such as hip fractures, can lead to arthritis later. Even if the injury heals, changes in hip joint alignment or cartilage damage can trigger arthritis.

Hip Arthritis Due to Avascular Necrosis

Avascular necrosis happens when the blood supply to the femoral head is lost, leading to bone collapse and hip arthritis.

Diagnosing Hip Osteoarthritis

If you think you might have hip osteoarthritis, your doctor will use several methods to pinpoint the problem. Here’s what the process involves:

Medical History and Physical Examination:

  • Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. They’ll also check your hip joint’s range of motion and look for signs of swelling or stiffness.

Blood Tests:

  • These may be done to rule out rheumatoid arthritis or other conditions that mimic osteoarthritis.

X-rays:

  • X-rays are the go-to diagnostic tool for hip osteoarthritis. They show how much space is left between the bones, which helps determine cartilage loss. Bone spurs or cysts—typical signs of osteoarthritis—may also be visible.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging):

  • In some instances, an MRI might be used to examine soft tissues around the hip closely, but it’s not always necessary.

Joint Aspiration (Arthrocentesis):

  • A sample of fluid from the hip joint may be tested to rule out other causes of pain or swelling.

Key Points

  • A combination of these diagnostic tools provides a comprehensive understanding of the extent and type of hip arthritis.
  • X-rays are often sufficient for osteoarthritis diagnosis, while additional tests may be considered for specific types like rheumatoid arthritis.
  • The diagnostic process helps tailor a treatment plan based on the underlying cause and severity of hip osteoarthritis.
Don't Let Hip Osteoarthritis Hold You Back!

Take Action for a Pain-Free Tomorrow!

Hip osteoarthritis, when caught early, can be easily managed and treated with targeted treatment plans. Yet, most individuals ignore the condition, assuming it will go away, and wait until the pain becomes unbearable. By this time, the damage worsens, often requiring more intensive measures that could have been avoided with timely intervention.

If hip pain, stiffness, or discomfort is consistently holding you back, it’s time to get it closely evaluated by hip specialists.

At Divi Orthopaedic and Hip Rehab Center, we have treated hundreds of hip osteoarthritis cases across all age groups. Our hip arthritis experts specialize in crafting customized treatment plans tailored to every age group and mobility need, ensuring quick pain relief and long-term recovery.

Led by Mumbai's leading hip replacement surgeon, Dr. Divyesh Bukalsaria, our team provides comprehensive care—from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation—so you can get back to feeling like yourself again.

Don’t let hip pain hold you back. Take the first step toward relief by booking your appointment with Divi Orthopaedic and Rehab Center today.

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