Hip Arthritis
Arthritis causes pain and swelling in the body’s joints, such as the knees or hips. There are many types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is the most common as reported by your New Orleans orthopaedic specialists. Also known as degenerative joint disease or age-related arthritis, osteoarthritis is more likely to develop as people get older.
The two main types of osteoarthritis are:
- Primary: More generalized arthritis that affects the fingers, thumbs, spine, hips, and knees;
- Secondary: Arthritis that occurs after injury or inflammation in a joint, or as a result of another condition such as hemochromatosis.
Symptoms of Hip Arthritis
If you have any of the following symptoms of hip arthritis, talk to your New Orleans orthopaedic surgeon:
- Joint stiffness that occurs as you are getting out of bed;
- Joint stiffness after you sit for a long time;
- Any pain, swelling, or tenderness in the hip joint;
- A sound or feeling (“crunching”) of bone rubbing against bone;
- Inability to move the hip to perform routine activities such as putting on your socks.
How We Diagnose Hip Arthritis
There is no single test for diagnosing osteoarthritis. Your New Orleans orthopaedic surgeon will review your medical history and perform a physical examination. This will include a check of how your hip is functioning. Your orthopaedic specialist may also order X-rays or other tests, including blood tests.
How Is Osteoarthritis of the Hip Treated?
The main goal of treating osteoarthritis of the hip is to improve the person’s mobility (ability to get around) and lifestyle. Part of this goal involves improving the function of the hip and controlling pain. Treatment plans provided by your orthopaedic specialist in New Orleans can involve:
- Rest and joint care;
- Use of a cane to take the weight off the affected hip;
- Nondrug pain relief techniques to control pain;
- Losing excess weight;
- Exercise;
- Medications, including acetaminophen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen, or prescription pain medication;
- Surgery;
- Complementary and alternative therapies.
We want to be your trusted Orthopaedic Specialists of New Orleans. If you are experiencing the symptoms of Hip Arthritis, please call our office at (504) 897-7877 and a member of our caring staff will be happy to help you.
Thank you for trusting us with your care!