Hip Arthritis

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What is Hip Arthritis?

Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, often referred to as wear-and-tear arthritis, is a common disease that many people develop as they grow older. While it can occur anywhere in the body, it primarily affects weight-bearing joints like the hips.

This condition brings about pain and stiffness, leading to challenges in performing daily tasks such as tying shoes, standing up from a seated position, or taking short walks. While there isn’t a definitive cure for this condition, there are treatment options available to help alleviate its impact on your quality of life. 

What does Hip Arthritis feel like?

The most common symptom of hip osteoarthritis is pain. Though it takes some time to worsen, this hip pain may also appear suddenly. Typically, feelings of pain and stiffness are more pronounced in the morning or following periods of rest. Over time, these sensations may arise unexpectedly, even during your sleep. In addition to these symptoms, potential indications for arthritis may include:

Pain in your groin or thigh that radiates to your buttocks or knee.
Pain that worsens during rigorous activities.
Stiffness in the joint that makes walking difficult.
A popping sound (crepitus) when you move due to hindered mobility caused by damaged cartilage and tissues.
Reduced flexibility due to joint swelling, which can impact your gait.

What causes Hip Arthritis?

In osteoarthritis, the protective layer of cartilage around the joints gradually wears down over time. As this padding starts to wear away and become frayed and rough, it becomes increasingly difficult for two bones to move smoothly against one another. When this occurs, bone-on-bone friction can develop which causes extreme amounts of pain. Osteoarthritis develops slowly—over months or even years—and its symptoms worsen over time.

What are the non-surgical options for treating Hip Arthritis?  

Although a complete cure for osteoarthritis is not currently possible, there are several natural approaches that can be employed to manage the condition and enhance your overall quality of life.

Early treatment for any arthritic condition usually involves nonsurgical approaches. Your doctor may recommend a range of non-invasive treatments that you can begin implementing immediately, aimed at alleviating pain, enhancing mobility, and improving your overall quality of life.

These approaches include:

Lifestyle adjustments: Simple changes to your daily routine, such as opting to spend time at work sitting down rather than standing or walking, can protect your joints and slow the progress of degenerative arthritis symptoms. 
Modified exercise routines: Transitioning from high-impact activities (like jogging or tennis) to lower-impact options (such as swimming or cycling).  
Weight management: Shedding excess weight reduces pressure on your joints, leading to less pain and improved mobility. 
Physical therapy: Specific exercises can significantly enhance your range of motion, flexibility, and the strength of the muscles surrounding your hip and leg. Your doctor or physiotherapist will collaborate with you to design an exercise plan that aligns with your unique requirements and lifestyle.  
Assistive devices: Canes, crutches, and walkers can facilitate movement and independence. Additionally, a long-handled reacher can aid in accessing items on lower shelves, reducing discomfort caused by movements that would otherwise be difficult to do. 
Pain relief medications: This is an additional option if you’re encountering pain that hinders your ability to engage in regular activities, impacts your mental well-being, or doesn’t respond effectively to other treatment methods.

What are the surgical options for treating Hip Arthritis?  

If your arthritis-related pain persists despite non-surgical treatments, your GP might suggest considering surgical options. You have the option to request a referral to Dr. Munjed Al Muderis and request a consultation through our clinic so we can determine the best approach for your pain. Two common surgical treatments for arthritis are detailed below.

Total hip replacement 

This procedure involves the removal of the damaged cartilage from the affected hip joint. Depending on the most suitable surgical strategy for your situation, the damaged components might be replaced with an artificial implant crafted from metal (known as an acetabular component), along with two artificial surfaces (referred to as femoral components) crafted from ceramics.

It’s important to note that each surgical technique carries its own advantages and potential drawbacks. Our approach is highly individualised and tailored to each patient’s unique case to determine the best possible approach to alleviating pain and restoring mobility.

Hip resurfacing 

Similar to a total hip replacement, hip resurfacing is designed to address pain and mitigate the underlying causes of osteoarthritis. However, these two procedures differ in several key aspects. While a traditional total hip replacement involves removing the femoral head (the upper portion of the thighbone), hip resurfacing requires less bone removal. Instead, only a portion of the bone is trimmed and capped with a metal cap. This procedure offers many benefits, including easier future revisions and a reduced risk of hip dislocation.

At our clinic, we will thoroughly explore both options and determine which one aligns best with your specific needs, providing pain relief, restoring mobility, and improving your overall quality of life.

Contact Us

For further inquiries or to arrange a consultation, please contact Professor Al Muderis’ office at +61 2 88829011 or book an appointment online.