Treatment for Hip Arthritis Pain at Encino Orthopedics

No matter what part of the body it is in reference to, arthritis means pain-inducing joint inflammation. When it comes to hip arthritis, painful symptoms can make everyday activities and movements extremely uncomfortable and difficult to accomplish. The causes of hip arthritis vary, but typically include: continued stress or overuse, injury, being overweight, or joint degeneration due to aging. Essentially, inflammation caused by hip arthritis triggers a breakdown in cartilage. The function of cartilage within the hip joint is to act like a shock absorbed and reduce the friction of converging bones.

Symptoms of hip arthritis include: joint stiffness when rising, swelling and tenderness at the hip joint, a sensation of friction - or bone rubbing raw against bone. To diagnose and treat hip arthritis, Encino Orthopedics will conduct a full exam and likely order imaging tests, such as an X-Ray or MRI, to assess the extent of the hip arthritis.

Treatment for hip arthritis ranges depending upon the cause and severity of the case, but often includes rest, a walking aid - like a cane or crutch - to reduce the burden put upon the hips, exercise, physical therapy, and medication. Sometimes a surgical treatment is required to adequately handle a serious or especially painful or debilitating case of hip arthritis. Hip replacement surgery is often considered by those who suffer chronic pain resulting from their hip arthritis, or by those who have suffered a diminished capacity to walk or engage in movement because of their hip ailment.