One of the most common orthopedic problems, hip arthritis results from the loss of cartilage in the hip joint. This causes pain and stiffness within the hip, which can affect simple daily tasks such as walking and going up and down stairs.
Hip Arthritis
Hip arthritis is a condition in which the cartilage of the hip joint breaks down over a long period of time. The cartilage that lines the hip is what allows for smooth and pain-free movement. As that cartilage wears away, it results in friction, leading to pain and stiffness of the hip joint.
Avoiding repeated and high-impact activities helps reduce stress at the hip joint. Physical therapy and pain-relieving methods can also help manage symptoms. In ongoing cases of hip arthritis where pain interferes with daily life, surgery may be considered.
When nonsurgical management does not provide effective pain relief for hip arthritis, a total hip replacement is the recommended surgical option. This surgery replaces the ends of the ball and socket of the hip joint with metal and plastic implants.
