Arthritis is a medical condition that affects the joints in the body. The pain and discomfort that comes with arthritis typically affect functionality in the affected area. The hips rank highly among the joints that are most susceptible to arthritis. This is because the hips are one of the most active joints in the body, aiding movement like walking, jogging and running. Hip arthritis can affect your ability to move if not checked, this is why it is important to look out for early signs. In this article, we will highlight five signs that suggest that you might be dealing with hip arthritis.
Types of Hip Arthritis
Hip arthritis can be classified into four major types which are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and ankylosing spondylitis. While osteoarthritis is caused by a breakdown in the cartilage holding the hip joints, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are caused by inflammation. The symptoms of hip arthritis are consistent across the different types of hip arthritis.
Five Symptoms of Hip Arthritis
Below are five signs that you might be dealing with hip arthritis.
- Groin Pain: Feeling pain in your groin area is a telltale sign of arthritis. Oftentimes than not, the pain usually spreads down to areas like the knees, outer thighs and buttocks. The pain typically comes in form of throbbing or a dull ache.
- Pain After Inactivity: Feeling pain after a long period of inactivity is another sign that you might be suffering from hip arthritis. This usually occurs after waking up in the morning or sitting for a long period. It is caused by the state of rest that your hips stay in during rest, which results in inflammation.
- Pain After Exercise: Pain after inactivity is a symptom of arthritis, and sometimes pain after strenuous activities can be a sign as well. When a person suffering from hip arthritis engages in exercise, their hip pain tends to flare. You should therefore check if you feel pain in your hips after engaging in activities such as long walks, running and tennis.
- Stiffness: Stiffness of the joints can be a symptom of hip arthritis. This stiffness manifests as a reduction in the range of motions that you enjoy. Stiffness of the joints usually occurs after a long period of inactivity. While your bones can ease off the stiffness after a short period, the effects can become permanent after some time.
- Locking of the Hips: Locking of the hip joint is oftentimes a sign of osteoarthritis. It occurs when cartilage fragments that have broken down interfere with the normal functioning of the hips. This will cause your hips to lock, making it difficult for you to move about freely.
Conclusion
Other signs include grinding noises while moving, difficulty moving normally, sticking of the hips, as well as hip pains on rainy days. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, you will need to contact an orthopaedic surgeon in Adelaide for surgical correction.
