Hip Arthritis

Hip arthritis is the gradual breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the ball-and-socket joint of the hip. As this cartilage wears away, bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness. There are several types of arthritis that can affect the hip, but the most common is:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) – This is the “wear-and-tear” form of arthritis, usually developing with age or after injury.

Other, less common types include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis – An autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation
• Post-traumatic arthritis – Occurs after a hip injury or fracture
• Avascular necrosis – A condition that limits blood flow to the bone, leading to joint damage

Common Causes and Risk Factors
Hip arthritis is more likely to develop in people who have:

• Aging joints (especially over age 50)
• A history of hip injuries or surgeries
• Obesity, which increases stress on the joints
• Genetics or family history of arthritis
• Repetitive stress on the hip, such as from sports or physical labor

Symptoms of Hip Arthritis
While symptoms may start mild, they often progress over time:

• Pain in the hip, groin, thigh, or buttocks
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting
• Loss of range of motion
• Clicking, grinding, or locking sensations
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods

As arthritis advances, the pain may become constant and interfere with sleep and daily activities.

Diagnosing Hip Arthritis
At Iowa Ortho, diagnosis starts with a physical exam and a discussion of your symptoms and activity level. We may use:

• X-rays to check for joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and alignment issues
• MRI scans to evaluate soft tissue damage or early-stage arthritis
• Blood tests, in some cases, to rule out autoimmune causes like rheumatoid arthritis

Treatment Options
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treating hip arthritis. We’ll work with you to develop a plan based on your needs and goals.

Non-Surgical Options

• Activity modification to reduce joint stress
• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
• Physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles and improve flexibility
• Corticosteroid injections for short-term pain relief
• Assistive devices (like canes or walkers) if needed

These options can help you stay active and manage symptoms as long as possible without surgery.

Surgical Options
If arthritis has severely damaged the joint and non-surgical options aren’t effective, hip replacement surgery may be recommended. Iowa Ortho offers advanced surgical techniques, including:

• Total Hip Replacement – Replaces both the ball and socket of the joint
• Direct Anterior Hip Replacement – A minimally invasive approach with faster recovery
• Hip Resurfacing – An option for younger, more active patients with specific conditions

Our experienced team of orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and joint specialists is here to provide comprehensive care for hip arthritis at every stage. Iowa Ortho delivers the personalized care and cutting-edge treatments you deserve to ensure precision and safety. At Iowa Ortho, we combine surgical excellence with personalized rehabilitation plans designed to get you moving confidently again.