Types of Hip Arthritis

As we continue recognizing National Arthritis Awareness Month, our latest article explores what you should know about hip arthritis, including the most common types and symptoms. 

Arthritis develops when the cartilage responsible for covering and protecting the bones of a joint degenerates, causing friction between the bones. As a ball-and-socket joint and one of the largest joints in the body, the hip is particularly prone to arthritis, given the significance of its weight-bearing function.

Osteoarthritis of the Hip

The most common type of arthritis affecting the hip is osteoarthritis (OA), sometimes called "wear and tear" or degenerative arthritis. Those suffering from OA often struggle with everyday tasks like bending over to tie a shoe, rising from a chair or taking a short walk. Several risk factors, including a family history of osteoarthritis, previous hip joint injury, obesity, improper hip joint formation at birth or aging, can worsen this type of arthritis. OA typically affects middle-aged patients.

The most common symptom associated with osteoarthritis is hip pain that develops slowly and worsens over time, although sudden onset is also possible. The pain can be accompanied by stiffness, which may be worse in the morning, or after extended periods of sitting or resting. As the condition progresses, these symptoms may occur with greater frequency impacting the ability to sleep comfortably. OA patients may also experience the following symptoms:

• Pain in the groin or thigh that radiates to the buttocks or knee
• Pain that flares up with brisk activity and/or during rainy weather
• Stiffness in the hip joint that makes it difficult to walk or bend
• "Locking" or "sticking" of the joint and a grinding noise (crepitus) during movement
• Decreased range of motion in the hip that affects the ability to walk  

Inflammatory Arthritis of the Hip

Inflammatory arthritis is caused by an overactive immune system. These types of arthritis are categorized as autoimmune disorders and can affect the joints and other organs. The most common types of inflammatory arthritis that cause symptoms in the hip include Rheumatoid arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis and Psoriatic arthritis. Even though gout and pseudogout are not autoimmune in nature, they can also cause symptoms in the hip joint. Unlike osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis affects people of all ages, often showing signs in early adulthood.

Inflammatory arthritis will cause patients to feel pain and stiffness in the hip. However, they may also experience general symptoms throughout the body, such as fever, loss of appetite and fatigue. Additional symptoms may also include:

• Pain that is dull, aching pain in the groin, outer thigh, knee or buttocks
• Limited range of motion
• Pain that is worse in the morning or after extended periods of sitting or resting that lessens with activity
• Pain in the joint severe enough to make walking difficult or cause a limp

If you are experiencing symptoms of hip arthritis, Dr. Matthew Mai is available for consultation to diagnose your condition and provide the best possible treatment options. Please contact our office at 850-916-3700 or complete our online Appointment Request form to schedule a visit with Dr. Mai.

Are you looking for other arthritis-related topics? If so, check out our additional blog posts on Causes & Symptoms of Hand Arthritis, What You Should Know About Wrist Arthritis, Treatment Options for Thumb Arthritis, Diagnosing & Managing Arthritis, Arthritis Treatments, Arthritis & Hyaluronic Acid, Treating Ankle Arthritis and Symptoms of Ankle Arthritis.