Arthritis of the hip
The most prominent symptom of hip arthritis is pain. Most patients think that their hip is in the region of the buttocks and are surprised to learn that true hip pain is most commonly experienced in the groin. The pain can radiate down the front of the thigh for a few inches as well. Occasionally it goes all the way down the thigh to the knee – this is because the hip and knee have an overlapping nerve supply.
Most patients with significant hip disease have a limp and one leg may feel shorter than the other. Bone-on-bone contact occasionally causes the patient to feel or hear the hip creaking during walking. As the disease progresses, the hip becomes stiff and less movement is possible - eventually you may have to take a break after walking only a short distance. The distance you can walk may gradually decrease until you can only take one or two steps at a time.
Common forms of arthritis:
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis is the wearing-out or erosion of a joint arising from the wearing away of cartilage. Without this protection, the bones rub together causing severe pain and stiffness. Patients who have early-stage osteoarthritis often notice pain at the beginning of a movement or during the first few minutes of exercise before the joints are given a chance to ‘warm up’. Once the activity gets underway, the pain usually diminishes, although it is likely to increase again after resting for several minutes. As the condition worsens, pain may be present even at rest. Symptoms are generally aggravated even further in cold or wet weather conditions. Approximately 50% of people over the age of 35 display early signs of the disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition where the body’s immune system attacks the joints causing inflammation and pain. The synovium (lining of the joints) swells and joints become stiff and harder to move, especially early in the morning. Sometimes lumps can appear under the skin near the joints (called rheumatoid nodules). Over time, muscles around the joint waste away, as well as cartilage and bone, leaving only fibrous scar tissue. There is no known cure for RA, although various treatments can help ease symptoms.
Post-traumatic arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis can occur after an injury to the joint, such as a fracture, causing damage to the articular cartilage. Sometimes the damaged cartilage needs to be surgically removed or it wears away naturally. Once it is removed, it is replaced by scar tissue which is not as effective in carrying weight or allowing the joint to function smoothly. Symptoms can include swelling, pain, tenderness, joint instability and internal bleeding.
Important: The information and guidance provided here is general in nature and should not be considered as medical advice in any way. You should always seek detailed advice from a qualified medical practitioner.
