An In-Depth Look at Hip Arthritis

Follow along as knee and hip replacement specialist, Dr. Andrew Campbell, gives a comprehensive overview of hip arthritis. Dr. Campbell discusses what hip arthritis is, what causes hip arthritis, common conservative treatment options, and what to expect if a patient needs a total hip replacement.

Dr. Campbell sees patients at our Upper Arlington location.

What is Hip Arthritis?

Arthritis is the result of a loss of joint cartilage, resulting in bone on bone contact, bone spurs, cysts, inflammation of the joint, or a combination of these.

Hip arthritis results in a loss of range of motion, which can cause:

  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Instability
  • Pain (typically in the front of the hip, the thigh, buttocks, or referred pain in the knee)
  • Popping or grinding
  • Limping

What Causes Hip Arthritis?

What are Conservative Treatment Options for Hip Arthritis?

  • Activity Modification
  • Physical Therapy
  • Weight loss (which puts less stress on the joints)

Are There Any Medications for Hip Arthritis?

  • Over-the-Counter NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve)
  • Prescription NSAIDs
  • Hip Injections

What if a Patient Needs a Total Hip Replacement?

A total hip replacement is a surgical procedure where the arthritic ball and socket are removed and replaced with implants to reconstruct the hip joint.

After surgery, patients can walk the same day, and most patients can go home the same day or the following day.

Some patients benefit from at home or outpatient physical therapy.

Patients who are a good candidate for a hip replacement will have a conversation with their surgeon to determine if an anterior or traditional posterior hip replacement is best for them.

Regardless, patients do well with this procedure and typically show marked improvements in pain level and mobility.