Singapore Hip Osteoarthritis Clinic
What is Hip Osteoarthritis?
Hip osteoarthritis is a common type of osteoarthritis (OA). Since the hip is a weightbearing joint, osteoarthritis can cause significant problems. Early diagnosis and treatment help manage hip osteoarthritis symptoms. An overview of hip osteoarthritis will help you understand symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Hip Osteoarthritis
Causes of Hip Osteoarthritis?
Hip osteoarthritis is caused by deterioration of articular cartilage and wear-and-tear of the hip joint. There are several reasons this can develop:
- previous hip injury
- previous fracture, which changes hip alignment
- genetics
- congenital and developmental hip disease
- subchondral bone that is too soft or too hard
- avascular necrosis (AVN)
Diagnosis of Hip Osteoarthritis
Your doctor will consider your complete medical history, results from your physical examination, and x-rays to determine the extent of joint damage and formulate a diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis. If more information is needed, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may be ordered by your doctor. Blood tests may be used if it is necessary to rule out other types of arthritis.
Symptoms of Hip Osteoarthritis
Patients who have hip osteoarthritis have pain localized to the groin area and the front or side of the thigh. Morning stiffness, though for less duration than occurs with rheumatoid arthritis, is also characteristic of hip osteoarthritis. Most significantly, there is limited range of motion of the hip and pain during motion. The symptoms can worsen to the point that pain is constantly present.
Treatment for Hip Osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but there are treatments available to help manage symptoms. Treatment plans should be personalized to each patient and other conditions must be considered.
Medications are one way to treat hip osteoarthritis. For mild cases, anti-inflammatory medicine is usually tried first. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory) or lubricant injection is used for moderate to severe hip osteoarthritis.
There are also non-drug treatments that can help:
- weight loss (normal weight people have a 20% risk of hip OA, overweight have 25% risk, and obese have 39% risk)
- water exercise programs
- physical therapy (range of motion and strengthening exercises)
- occupational therapy (assistive devices, joint protection)
- patient education
Surgery is considered a last resort treatment option. Surgery is appropriate for patients with hip osteoarthritis who have failed other more conservative treatment options. Surgical procedures include:
- arthroscopy – an arthroscope checks the condition of the articular cartilage
- osteotomy – realigns angles of the hip joint
- total hip replacement – new acetabular and femoral components are implanted
An accurate diagnosis and early treatment helps decrease pain and improve function for the hip osteoarthritis patient. As the condition advances, appropriate treatment changes can be made.
Make Appointment or Enquiry:
Call: (65) 66532625 / Whatsapp or SMS: (65) 92357641 / Email: info@boneclinic.com.sg – 24 Hours Hotline
