What is hip osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic condition of the joints. It occurs when the protective cartilage covering the ends of the bones breaks down, allowing the bones within a joint such as the hip to rub together. Osteoarthritis can affect adults of any age, but occurs most frequently among older people.
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hip?
Hip osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition, and symptoms may worsen as the cartilage continues to break down over time. Symptoms may include:
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Inflammation
- Stiffness
- Swelling
What causes hip osteoarthritis?
Exact causes of hip osteoarthritis are unknown. However, people who develop this condition usually have one or more of the following risk factors:
- Advanced age: Most symptoms of hip osteoarthritis begin at age 45 or older.
- Heredity: Many cases of hip arthritis are influenced by heredity. Some people inherit diseases or conditions, such as poor bone alignment, rheumatoid arthritis, or metabolic disorders, that can lead to osteoarthritis of the hip.
- Trauma or injury: A broken hip, other joint trauma, or surgery can lead to hip osteoarthritis later in life.
- Gender: Hip osteoarthritis is more common among women.
What treatment options are available?
If the symptoms persist, it is recommended to schedule a consultation with Dr. Yoon. A comprehensive evaluation will be performed and a treatment plan can then be discussed based on the findings.