Treatments for hip arthritis have become less invasive, with more nonsurgical options and minimally invasive procedures available. At MU Health Care, you’ll find the latest therapies and a hip-focused orthopaedics team with extensive expertise in treating arthritis.

One of the most common causes of hip pain is arthritis. Arthritis is characterized by the destruction of the cartilage that lines the ball and socket of your joint. 

Having arthritis doesn’t always mean you need to replace your hip. As an academic health system, we offer the latest hip preservation treatments that aren’t available at other centers in mid-Missouri. When hip replacement is necessary, we may be able to use less invasive procedures to minimize recovery time and promote faster healing.

Hip Arthritis Symptoms

Hip pain in front of your hip, in your groin or which spreads to the buttock, thigh or knee may indicate arthritis. Arthritis can cause aching, throbbing, burning or stabbing pain in any of these areas. 

Other symptoms of hip arthritis include: 

  • Clicking or popping sensations in your hip
  • Difficulty climbing stairs, walking or performing other activities
  • Redness or swelling in your hip
  • Stiffness in your hip that affects your range of motion
  • Weakness in your hip 

When to Seek Care for Hip Arthritis 

Whether you have constant hip pain or pain that comes and goes, arthritis treatment may bring relief. Once we confirm the cause, we can suggest treatments to help reduce — and even potentially eliminate — your pain.

Causes of Hip Arthritis

Hip arthritis has many causes, including:

Aging

As we get older, the cartilage in our joints wears down, causing the trademark pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis (OA). OA is the most common cause of hip pain and the need for hip replacement.

Certain sports, jobs or activities can also heighten your risk of developing hip arthritis later in life.

Extra Weight

Being overweight puts extra pressure on your hip joint and can lead to arthritis. Losing weight can help slow down joint damage.

Injuries

Traumatic injuries can change the structure of your hip and increase your risk of developing hip arthritis. Our specialists offer targeted therapeutic and surgical solutions — including minimally invasive options.

Autoimmune Conditions

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus and other autoimmune conditions can create inflammation and damage in joints like the hip. Our rheumatology team offers the latest treatments for autoimmune-related arthritis, including new biologic medications to help reduce joint damage.

Hip Dysplasia and Other Structural Issues

You may have been born with structural issues in your anatomy that put you at risk for hip arthritis. Hip dysplasia, which occurs when the ball and socket of the hip don’t fit together properly, is one example.

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

Hip impingement, or FAI, occurs when the ball and socket of your hip rub together. Over time, FAI can wear down the joint and cause hip pain.

Osteonecrosis (Avascular Necrosis)

If you lose blood flow in your hip joint, the bone can die and change the shape of the joint. Known as osteonecrosis, or avascular necrosis, this condition can lead to arthritis.

Hip Arthritis Treatment at MU Health Care

Our hip specialists offer a wide range of nonsurgical and surgical treatments for arthritis, including many that aren’t available elsewhere in mid-Missouri.

Nonsurgical Hip Arthritis Treatments

If you have hip arthritis, we may recommend enrolling in our Joint Health Program. This team-based treatment approach includes physical therapists, dietitians, psychologists and other specialists. 

Other options available at MU Health Care include:

  • Over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medication
  • Physical therapy (PT) to strengthen muscles and help protect your joints
  • Losing weight if you are overweight to reduce joint pain and slow the progression of arthritis
  • Joint injections, which may involve steroid medications or platelet rich plasma (PRP), to help slow joint damage from arthritis 

Hip Preservation Surgery

Hip preservation procedures can help reduce pain and restore function to a natural hip without the need for joint replacement. 

Examples of hip preservation surgeries include:

  • Hip arthroscopy with chondroplasty: A minimally invasive surgery that allows your surgeon to remove loose cartilage and reshape your hip joint
  • Biologic resurfacing: Combines arthroscopy with injections of substances to help regenerate joint tissue
  • Hip osteotomy: A minimally invasive surgery that involves cutting and repositioning bones in your hip joint

Hip Replacement Surgery

If you do require a hip replacement, we offer minimally invasive approaches to help you recover faster. You can receive all your care at MU Health Care — from preop testing to surgery to physical therapy. 

Is hip replacement an option for you? 

Take this brief assessment to find out if you’re a candidate.

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