Hip Arthritis

Diagnosing Hip Arthritis

Hip arthritis can affect strength, flexibility and mobility. If left untreated, joint pain and swelling can also lead to pain in the muscles surrounding the hip joint.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of hip arthritis include:

• Joint pain and stiffness
• Limited movement or mobility
• Loss of range of motion in the legs
• Swelling
• Warmth in the hip joints 

Diagnosis

If you show signs of hip arthritis, your doctor will review your health history and perform a thorough hip exam to identify areas of pain and inflammation.

Your doctor may also use one or more of these diagnostic tests:

• Computed tomography (CT) scan—to create detailed images of your hip bones and soft tissue.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)—to examine the inside of your hip joint.
• X-ray—of the hip bones and surrounding tissue.

Hip Arthritis Treatment

We offer nonsurgical and surgical treatments for hip arthritis depending on your unique symptoms and lifestyle.

Nonsurgical Treatments

Nonsurgical treatment options for hip arthritis may include:

• Activity modification—to reduce impact and stress on the hip.
• Anti-inflammatory steroid injections—to reduce joint inflammation and pain.
• Heat therapy—to loosen the joint before daily activities or exercise.
• Ice therapy—to ease soreness and swelling.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—to relieve pain and inflammation.
• Physical therapy—to improve strength, flexibility and range of motion in the hip.

Surgical Treatments

In severe cases of arthritis, surgery may relieve pain and restore mobility. Surgical interventions can range from minimally invasive arthroscopy to a full hip replacement.