Hip Arthritis

Since the hip is a weight-bearing joint, osteoarthritis can cause significant problems. Changes in posture and weight distribution result in changes in pressure in the hip joints. This evolves into damage and degeneration of the joint cartilage. Other predisposing factors to hip osteoarthritis include:

• Previous hip injury
• Previous fracture, which changes hip alignment
• Congenital and developmental hip disease
• Subchondral bone that is too soft or too hard
• Avascular necrosis of the head of the femur

Usually there are symptoms of stiffness, and pain that is getting progressively worse. The stiffness is usually worse at rest and is relieved by movement. The pain is often exacerbated in cold weather. Patients who have hip osteoarthritis have pain localised to the groin area and the front or side of the thigh. Most significantly, there is limited range of motion of the hip and pain during motion.

The initial aim of treatment is to reduce the local inflammation around the hip, relieve pain and symptoms, preserve or improve joint function, and reduce physical disability. This is done through adjustments and soft tissue therapy performed by a Chiropractor. Rehabilitation is also a key part of caring for osteoarthritis.