Osteoarthritis of the Hip Joint

What is Osteoarthritis of the Hip Joint?

Osteoarthritis (OA), often referred to as “wear-and-tear” arthritis, is a chronic condition characterized by the progressive degeneration of joint tissues. While it can affect any joint in the body, hip osteoarthritis specifically entails the deterioration of the articular cartilage lining the femoral head (the ball) and/or the acetabulum (the hip socket). This degeneration can be broadly categorized into primary and secondary forms.

● Primary OA typically arises as a result of age-related wear and tear on the joint, involving the gradual accumulation of microtrauma over many years. It commonly manifests in middle-aged or elderly individuals, presenting as hip, buttock, groin, or knee pain that worsens over time, accompanied by stiffness in the affected joint.

● Secondary OA is more prevalent and occurs as a consequence of underlying conditions or diseases such as obesity, congenital abnormalities, repetitive trauma, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or other hormonal disorders. Individuals with secondary OA may experience similar symptoms to primary OA but often have a history of trauma or an underlying condition contributing to joint degeneration.

The impact of hip OA on daily life can be significant, leading to decreased mobility and function. Activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and even rising from a seated position may become challenging or painful as the condition progresses.

The most common symptom of hip OA is persistent pain around the hip joint, typically localised in the groin area. This pain can develop gradually over time, worsening with continued joint use, or it may have a sudden onset, particularly after activities that put stress on the hip joint. Individuals may also experience stiffness, particularly in the morning, which tends to improve with movement throughout the day.

Managing hip OA involves a combination of strategies aimed at reducing pain, improving joint function, and maintaining mobility. These may include lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, pain management techniques, assistive devices, and in some cases, surgical interventions such as hip replacement surgery. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in effectively managing hip OA and minimizing its impact on quality of life.

Here at Precision Health we offer services such as service which can aid in your recovery from Osteoarthritis of the hip.

Call (02) 9639 7337 or visit our website to book an appointment now!

Lespasio MJ, Sultan AA, Piuzzi NS, Khlopas A, Husni ME, Muschler GF, Mont MA. (2018). Hip Osteoarthritis: A Primer. The Permanente Journal. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5760056/)

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