BIRMINGHAM HIP Resurfacing

Common causes of hip pain and hip replacement

Osteoarthritis, or OA, is the most common form of adult hip arthritis, especially in older adults. Osteoarthritis of the hip is a condition commonly referred to as 'wear and tear' arthritis. OA is a progressive, degenerative hip disease – it usually gets worse over time.

Causes

Nobody knows exactly what causes osteoarthritis. Often, OA results when the hip joint  simply wears out.

Risk factors for OA include obesity, muscle weakness, a family history of hip pain and hip arthritis, injury to the hip joint and childhood disorders.

Symptoms

The first OA symptom is usually hip joint pain or groin pain while walking or running.

Many people with hip osteoarthritis experience loss of motion of the hip joint and find that normal activities, like putting on socks and shoes, become difficult and painful.

Over time the pain may increase and become constant, even disturbing sleep at night.

Treatment

Your doctor can recommend treatments for hip joint pain, including weight loss, exercise and physical therapy, walking aids, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, or anti-inflammatory medications.

Hip replacement surgery is the most common treatment for advanced hip osteoarthritis, but active patients may be candidates for hip resurfacing surgery.