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Hip Arthritis

There are many different forms of hip arthritis that cause a wide range of different symptoms.

Two of the most common types of hip arthritis are:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Make An Enquiry

To ask a question, make an enquiry or book an appointment, contact our specialist orthopaedic team who are available between Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm. Our hip team have a dedicated and caring approach and will seek to find you the earliest appointment possible with the correct specialist for your needs.

If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP. You can simply refer yourself and book an appointment.

If you have medical insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa PPP, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer to get authorisation for any treatment and, in most cases, you will require a referral letter from your GP.

If you do not have a GP, then we have an in-house private GP practice that you can use. Alternatively we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstance.

Make an Enquiry

Hip Arthritis

There are many different forms of hip arthritis that cause a wide range of different symptoms. Two of the most common types of hip arthritis are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of hip arthritis, is also known as ‘Degenerative Joint Disease’. Arthritis means inflammation of the joints and osteoarthritis occurs when hip cartilage (spongy layer between two joining bones) gets broken down and becomes damaged, resulting in irritation, swelling and disfigurement.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

One of the biggest problems with RA is that the body tissue is attached to our immune system. This means that not only does it affect the lining of the hip joints causing them to inflame but it can also affect the eyes, skin, heart, lungs, nerves and even the blood. This is a chronic disorder meaning that regardless of symptom-free periods, the disease is always developing and can come back at any time.

Causes of Hip Arthritis

As hip arthritis is a degenerative disease, it is more common in older patients. Cartilage is made up of mainly water and proteins and, although it may repair itself, the body cannot grow new cartilage. Arthritis is caused from the constant breakdown of the cartilage throughout one’s life due to physical activity, resulting in swelling and inflammation.

Symptoms of Hip Arthritis

  • Swelling
  • Irritation
  • Redness
  • Joint pain
  • Restricted movement

Diagnosis of Hip Arthritis

One of our Consultant Hip Specialists will perform an initial physical examination to assess the range of movement in the hip joints and look for any bone swelling. Further diagnosis must be determined through our imaging department. Your Hip Consultant will send you for an MRI test or X-Ray. In the case of suspected Rheumatoid Arthritis, which can affect many areas of the body, a blood test may also be required to determine the cause and the extent of damage.

Treatment of Hip Arthritis

There are many treatment options for arthritis depending on the individual case and the affecting factors. Your Consultant may suggest one of the following:

  • Medication
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Surgery
  • Podiatry
  • Complimentary therapies (such as acupuncture or homeopathy)