Over time or after an injury the cartilage that protects the end of the bones associated with the hip (femur and pelvis) can begin to degenerate or thin, this is termed osteoarthritis. In osteoarthritis the cartilage is less able to protect the bone and shock absorb which therefore affects the function of the entire joint. This often means that pain around the joint can come from the ligaments, muscles and joint capsule (synovium that encapsulates the joint fluid), resulting in pain that changes in location and severity.
HIP ARTHRITIS
What is hip osteoarthritis?
Symptoms of hip osteoarthritis
- Lower back, hip, groin and/or knee pain
- Hip pain with movement, walking or sitting
- Clicking
- Hip stiffness, especially first thing in the morning
How is hip osteoarthritis treated?
Scans are often not required to diagnose hip osteoarthritis, your physio can make this diagnosis by asking a series of specific questions and performing a thorough physical assessment.
Treatment may involve:
- Advice on how to reduce hip pain with daily activities
- Ice or hot packs
- Hands-on treatment to relieve muscle tension
- Exercises to improve the hip joint mobility and strength
- We run the GLA:D Program right here in Glen Iris (physio led), an evidence based six-week program for managing hip osteoarthritis LEARN MORE.
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Learn more about osteoarthritis via the below video by HealthSketch.