Osteoarthritis of the hip

What is osteoarthritis (OA)?

Osteoarthritis is a common joint disorder, which results in pain and stiffness in joints.  As we age, changes occur in the joints (a bit like getting grey hairs, or wrinkles and lines on our skin). Sometimes these changes, along with other factors can mean that your joint gets irritated and painful or stiff.

Osteoarthritis of the hip can cause these symptoms:

• Pain is usually felt in the groin, side of the hip, buttock or front of the thigh.
• Pain is often provoked with walking, bending down, for example, tying shoes, getting in and out of the car and stairs to name but a few.
• Stiffness may occur in the morning or if you haven’t moved for a while
• Pain can be variable and is often worse at the end of the day.
• The symptoms may come on gradually over months/years or can also be triggered by a recent injury.

What causes osteoarthritis of the hip?

Lots of factors can contribute to osteoarthritis.  It tends to affect people over 45, although can affect people of all ages.  These are some factors which can contribute to symptoms:

• Being overweight
• Previous hip injuries
• Jobs that involve heavy lifting and standing up for long periods
• Smoking
• Inactivity and muscle weakness
• Poor mental health such as depression and anxiety
• Other health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease

How can osteoarthritis of the Hip be treated?

Weight management

Having OA and being overweight is strongly linked.  Studies show a weight loss of 10% can reduce your symptoms by half.  To calculate your target weight loss figure, multiply your body weight by 0.10. Excess body fat is also known to amplify inflammation around the body and so can cause an increase in pain – losing weight can help avoid this. *Link to general health weight loss page*

Strength exercises

As the cartilage of the hip joint becomes more sensitive, weight-bearing activities can become more painful. Pain is known to stop the muscles working effectively and cause weakness. By strengthening the surrounding muscles of the hip, they can then act as a suspension system to absorb the force and so reduce the pain.

General exercise

Moderate intensity exercise for examples fast walks, cycling, pilates and yoga class also help to strengthen the hip muscles and maintain your fitness levels. They also have the added benefit of producing synovial fluid in the hip joint which acts as a lubricant to reduce stiffness.  Exercise releases endorphins in the brain – the body’s natural painkiller.

Optimise painkillers

You may be advised by your GP to take anti-inflammatory drugs which can help with pain and stiffness, as well as simple pain killers such as Paracetamol. Please see the NHS website for further information:

• Paracetamol for adults: painkiller for pain and high temperature, NHS
• Ibuprofen for adults: painkiller which also treats inflammation, NHS

Surgery

A surgeon may suggest hip surgery if you have severe changes in your hip joint, as well as severe pain which results in large impacts on your walking, sleep and quality of life, and you have tried lifestyle changes and physiotherapy management.  A total hip replacement is the most common procedure which involves replacing the ball and socket parts of the hip joint, this is usually very successful.