Understanding
Arthritis of the Hip

Hip arthritis is caused by damage to the shiny white cartilage that coats the ball and socket joint. When the ball and the socket rub or grate against one another, they cause more damage to the cartilage and likely the bones. The pain becomes achy, the range of movement becomes stiff and it often has a crunchy ‘creaking’ feeling when the joint moves. In time, the pain and stiffness of hip arthritis can become disabling.

But Hip pain can also arise from causes other than arthritis, such as inflammation of the fluid-filled pockets around the hip (the bursae) that can mimic problems with the joint itself. Distinguishing bursitis from problem with the hip joint is difficult even for experienced examiners. Groin area pain also arises from overuse of the hip muscles as well as hernias, muscle and ligament strains, and enlargement of the glands.

A disintegrated or torn labrum (the soft capsule of cartilage anchoring the ball of the femur in the socket of the pelvic bone) is another cause. Hip pain is also often a result of misfiring referred pain, when the central nervous system confuses a problem that is coming from the back.

The risk of developing Osteoarthritis (‘wear and tear’) of the hip increases if you had an injury there, or have had hip problems since childhood, and you are overweight. Osteoarthritis itself is poorly understood.

Hip arthritis can be hugely debilitating, inconveniencing, painful, and stiff, and as the hip arthritis gets worse mobility is compromised and how well a patient can live an independent active life is more difficult to achieve. Modem surgery, and in particular, modern joint replacement surgery can fix the pain and stiffness associated with hip arthritis.

Only then, should you consult a doctor who is experienced and specialises in dealing with hip patients. Mr Michael Moss, is the Lead Surgeon at West Sussex Hip and Knee Unit. He will listen to your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and order for further tests on some occasions in order to confirm the problem and also, rule out other possible different problems causing the symptoms.

At the West Sussex Hip and Knee Unit, you’ll see the consultant who will examine you and take your history and examine you in depth. Further imaging may be ordered to clarify the diagnosis and aid with treatment planning.

To summarise, pain and inability to move are marked features of arthritis of the hip. Patients with this condition are best served by seeing a hip specialist who can make an accurate diagnosis and, devise an effective treatment strategy. For patients suffering from hip arthritis modern surgical and medical treatments have revolutionised the management of this condition to the point where patients can obtain relief of pain and resumption of an active lifestyle.