5 Signs Your Hip Pain Stems from Arthritis

A painful hip can ruin your day or week — but what happens when it persists? Chronic hip pain may stem from many issues, including injuries and arthritis.

Knowing the cause of hip pain is crucial to getting appropriate treatment. If the culprit is arthritis, treatment can prevent further joint damage.

Dr. Steven J. Svabek and his team offer hip pain treatments at his practice in Coral Springs, Florida. He provides diagnostic studies to evaluate your hip and determine if conservative measures or a hip replacement is necessary for long-term relief.

What causes hip pain?

Hip pain occurs when you suffer an injury to the hip or have a chronic issue like arthritis. The pain may stem from problems in the joint, surrounding bones, or supporting tendons and muscles.

People with hip pain may experience discomfort that comes and goes or remains constant. The pain may be on the surface or deep within the hip joint.

Common causes of hip pain include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Labral tear
• Hip flexor strain
• Iliotibial band syndrome
• Bursitis
• Fractures

Less common causes of hip pain include avascular necrosis, tumors, and septic arthritis. Sciatica and herniated discs may cause referred pain in the hip.

Understanding hip arthritis

Hip arthritis is a condition that causes the protective cartilage in the joint to break down. Cartilage covers the ends of bones, keeping them from rubbing together and causing pain.

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of hip arthritis. It results from years of wear-and-tear in the joint, leading to pain and inflammation caused by bone-on-bone friction.

Arthritis is a chronic disease that worsens without treatment. Severe arthritis typically requires a total hip replacement, where Dr. Svabek replaces the joint’s damaged parts with prosthetics.

Five signs of hip arthritis

Not all hip pain results from arthritis, so it helps to know the signs. Pain that persists could be a sign, but other telltale signs of hip arthritis include:

1. Morning stiffness

Morning stiffness is a common sign of hip arthritis. You may have trouble moving your hip when you get out of bed, but it usually loosens up with movement. Sitting too long also causes stiffness, allowing the tissues in the joint to seize up.

2. Deep buttock, groin, or thigh pain

Deep pain within the joint indicates hip arthritis. Other causes of hip pain usually cause discomfort closer to the surface. Arthritis often leads to pain deep within the groin, buttocks, or down into the thighs.

3. Reduced range of motion

Stiffness and damage within the hip joint as a result of osteoarthritis usually make it difficult to move the hip properly. Reduced range of motion is a prominent sign of hip arthritis.

4. Joint locking

With hip arthritis, you may feel like the joint locks in place or sticks, making it difficult to move. People with hip arthritis often struggle with walking, getting up or down steps, and engaging in physical activities due to the joint locking.

5. Trouble with daily tasks

If you're struggling with daily tasks due to hip pain, it's likely due to arthritis. People with hip arthritis often struggle with everyday tasks, such as putting on pants or socks, or simply getting up from a chair.

If you suspect hip arthritis, don’t wait to seek an evaluation. Dr. Svabek performs a physical exam and conducts imaging studies to determine the extent of your arthritis and the proper treatments for long-term pain relief.

To learn more about how we treat hip pain and arthritis, call the office of Steven J Svabek, DO, PA, today to schedule a consultation, or request an appointment online.