Hip Arthritis

The orthopedic specialists at Orthopedics & Sports Medicine BayCare Clinic provide comprehensive, innovative services to treat hip arthritis.

The most common type of hip pain in older patients is osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in the hip is worn away after years of use.  Bone spurs may also develop.

Hip arthritis typically affects patients over the age of 50, particularly those with a family history of osteoarthritis.

What are the symptoms of hip arthritis?

Hip arthritis is often characterized by an aching pain in the thigh, buttock or groin. As the disease progresses, the hip joint becomes stiff and inflamed. Eventually, patients can lose the ability to flex their hip, making it painful to walk or bend.

How is hip arthritis treated?

An orthopedic specialist will discuss your history and conduct a physical examination. X-rays are required to identify arthritis in the hip, but an MRI may be ordered.

Nonsurgical treatment options include:

• Rest
• Modifying activities
• Physical therapy
• Heat or ice compresses
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Dietary supplements
• Regenerative medicine, or orthobiologics
• Cortisone injections

If nonsurgical methods do not reduce pain, surgical options are available. They may include:

• Hip arthroscopy but only for hips with minimal to no arthritis 
• Total hip replacement

Our goal is to restore each patient’s desired quality of life by creating individualized care plans to reduce pain, improve mobility, reduce the likelihood of further injury and return people to their normal activities as quickly and safely as possible.