Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the hip joints. It is extremely painful and can lead to the deterioration of surrounding ligaments, bones, and membranes. That’s why timely treatment is critical. Patients must quickly address early symptoms like pain when moving the hip or the inability to walk. Patients get hip osteoarthritis because of multiple factors. For some patients, osteoarthritis is hereditary. A family history of osteoarthritis is a major risk factor for developing this condition. Long periods of excessive physical activities and a history of hip injuries are also leading risk factors. Injuries to joints cartilages starts off the process of hip degeneration. Related conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, hip infections, or steroid abuse may also make people prone to hip osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of Hip Osteoarthritis 

The most glaring symptom of osteoarthritis of the hip is severe hip joint pain. Pain in the thighs and the groin areas are clear warning signs of hip arthritis. Patients who brush off these symptoms often experience quick hip deterioration. The injured hip joints are unable to handle any wear and tear that comes with normal body movements. The inflammation of the hip muscles, tendons, and membranes makes it impossible for patients to make free hip movements. Doctors determine whether these symptoms indicate hip osteoarthritis by conducting detailed hip examinations, x-rays, and MRI scans.

Treating Hip Osteoarthritis.

Doctors review the patient’s symptoms, medical background, and history of joint pain or stiffness. Then, they conduct physical examinations, radiography, and water tests to determine whether the arthritis is infectious or not. MRI scans and CT scans reveal the extent of the cartilage and bone damage (respectively). These are standard tests for diagnosing osteoarthritis of the hip [ข้อ สะโพก เสื่อม, which is the term in Thai]. After completing these diagnostic tests, doctors decide between two treatment options – non-surgical treatment and surgical. Non-surgical treatment is only suitable for patients experiencing mild symptoms. If the inflammations are too serious or infectious, doctors perform orthopedic surgery.