Hip Arthritis
What is Hip Arthritis?
Arthritis, or degenerative osteoarthritis, of the hip is caused by long term wear and tear to the cartilage that naturally cushions the hip joint. As the cartilage that covers the ball of the femur (femoral head) and the socket (acetabulum) gradually breaks down, the bones begin to rub against one another causing pain, stiffness and permanent damage. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of hip arthritis. In some cases, arthritis can also be triggered – or made worse – by a previous hip injury, abnormal hip anatomy or childhood hip disorders.
Although hip arthritis can affect anyone, there are several factors that can increase the risk of arthritis:
• Genetic factors
• Previous hip injury or hip surgery
• Childhood hip conditions such as hip dysplasia, Perthes disease or slipped capital femoral epiphysis
• Femoroacetabular impingement (abnormal hip shape)
• Another joint disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout
• Heavy manual workers like farmers, construction workers etc
• People over the age of 50
• Overweight or obese
• Participation in high impact sports such as running, athletics, soccer or rugby which results in long term wear and tear on the joints.
Symptoms of Knee Arthritis
These would normally include:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Hip arthritis usually develops over time rather than from a single cause. The most common reason is gradual wear of the joint cartilage with age. However, many people develop it earlier due to subtle issues with the shape of the hip, when the ball and socket don’t fit perfectly, it creates uneven pressure that slowly damages the joint. Previous injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, can also speed up this process. In some cases, genetics, inflammation, or increased load on the joint (including higher body weight or repetitive stress) contribute.
