Hip arthritis in Louisiana is one of the most common causes of pain in the hip. Arthritis is a progressive condition, which means that it typically starts gradually and worsens with time. The term arthritis literally means inflammation of the joint.
There are different types of arthritis that can affect the hip. There is no cure for any type of arthritis, but there are ways to treat the pain and other associated symptoms.
Type #1 Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis means “arthritis of the bone” and is the most common form of hip arthritis in Louisiana. It is often described as the result of wear and tear on the joints, which explains why it is more common in older than younger people.
Type #2 Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disorder, which means that it affects your entire body and not just the hip joint. The inflammation is related to an immune system response rather than wear and tear.
Type #3 Ankylosing spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammation of the spine and the joint where the spine meets the pelvis, which can sometimes cause inflammation of the hip joint.
Type #4 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Systemic lupus erythematosus or lupus is a systemic autoimmune disorder that can affect any part of the body, including the hip joint. If lupus strikes the hip, inflammation and damage to the joint can occur.
Type #5 Psoriatic Arthritis: As the name sounds, this type of hip arthritis in Louisiana is related to the skin condition psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness and can affect any joint in the body, including the hip.
Symptoms of Hip Arthritis in Louisiana
Regardless of the type of arthritis, symptoms of hip arthritis include:
Pain in the hip joint that may be in the groin, outer thigh, or buttocks; Pain that is typically worse in the morning and lessens with activity; Difficulty walking or walking with a limp; Pain that worsens with vigorous or extended activity; Stiffness in the hip or limited range of motion.Diagnosis of Hip Arthritis in Louisiana
If you suspect you may have arthritis of the hip, the most important first step is an accurate diagnosis that will likely include the following:
Your medical history, including where you experience pain and if you limp at times; A physical examination, in particular, to see how well you can move the hip; X-rays to determine if there are any abnormalities in the joint; Blood tests to determine antibodies that may be associated with a specific type of arthritis (only if needed). Lifestyle modifications can also help to reduce the symptoms of hip arthritis in Louisiana including:
Maintaining a healthy weight (and losing weight, if necessary); Appropriate pain management; Changing activities to minimize stress on the hip; Exercising to build up strength; Surgery can help to reduce pain, enhance the quality of life, and improve your ability to perform everyday activities with fewer or no restrictions; Total hip replacement if the hip joint is severely damaged if you are experiencing pain associated with hip arthritis in Louisiana, we can help! Call our office today to Schedule a Consultation so we can discuss your symptoms and put together a course of action to get you pain-free!