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Osteoarthritis of the Hip
Arthritis means “joint inflammation.”
Osteoarthritis occurs when inflammation and injury to a joint cause a breaking down of cartilage tissue. This is also commonly causes by gradual wear and tear with increasing age.
As the cartilage wears away, it becomes frayed and rough, and the protective joint space between the bones decreases. This can result in bone rubbing on bone.
To make up for the lost cartilage, the damaged bones may start to grow outward and form bone spurs (osteophytes).
Hip specialists and the team at NSOC collaborates under one roof to provide comprehensive care to people with osteoarthritis of the hip. Our team of arthritis experts includes orthopaedic surgeons and physical therapists.
Signs and Symptoms of hip osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis symptoms may vary from person to person. Below are some of the common signs and symptoms
Hip joint pain and stiffness are the main symptoms of hip osteoarthritis, these may be worse in the morning, or after sitting or resting for a while.
“Locking” or “sticking” of the joint, and a grinding noise during movement caused by loose fragments of cartilage and other tissue interfering with the smooth motion of the hip.
Pain in your groin or thigh that radiates to your buttocks or your knee.
Factors that increase the risk of developing hip osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis causes and risk factors include genetics because arthritis runs in families,severe trauma; Fractures (broken bones) or traumatic dislocations of the ball from the hip socket can, in time, result in arthritis of the hip.
Some studies have associated obesity with arthritis of the hips. Though interestingly, obesity is more strongly linked to arthritis of the knees than to arthritis of the hips.
Improper formation of the hip joint at birth, a condition known as developmental dysplasia of the hip and increasing age are also factors that increase the development of hip osteoarthritis
Diagnosing Osteoarthritis of the hip
To diagnose osteoarthritis of the hip, top orthopedic surgeon at NSOC in Kenya use advanced imaging tests to diagnose osteoarthritis of the hip,the doctors will first give a thorough physical examination of your hip where he will be able to gather a good idea of your condition.
During the physical examination, your physician checks out for tenderness with movement, pain when pressure is placed on the hip, problems with your gait (the way you walk) and any signs of injury to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the hip
The simplest test to diagnose osteoarthritis of the hip is the x-ray. Taken with the patient standing up plain x-rays can diagnose the condition with great accuracy.
Very mild arthritis can be seen on a bone scan or an MRI even before it is visible on plain x-rays. A bone scan may also be needed to better determine the condition of the bone and soft tissues of your hip.
The diagnostic tests for osteoarthritis of the hip, including x-rays and MRIs, are generally not painful and they are well-tolerated by most patients.
Comprehensive treatment of hip osteoarthritis
When you’re in pain — whether it’s from an accident, age or ailment — you want hip pain relief. Appropriate and targeted osteoarthritis hip pain management and treatment starts with a proper diagnosis from your NSOC in Nairobi, Kenya osteoarthritis hip pain management doctor.
At NSOC, you’ll get the osteoarthritis hip pain management and doctor’s care you need to reduce or eliminate your acute or chronic osteoarthritis hip pain.
Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are a number of treatment options that will help relieve pain and improve mobility.
Your doctor may recommend a range of treatment options. We apply non-surgical techniques first.
Simple steps that can be taken which don’t have much risk include avoidance of the activities that cause symptoms (activity modification) and weight loss which can help reduce stress on the hip joint, resulting in less pain and increased function.
Your doctor or physical therapist can help develop an individualized exercise program that meets your needs and lifestyle. Specific exercises help increase range of motion and flexibility, as well as strengthen the muscles in your hip and leg.
Should those interventions not be satisfying, in consultation with one’s physician, the next steps might include medication to your treatment plan.
You are in Great Hands
What is involved in a total hip replacement?
In most cases, hip surgery relieves the pain of osteoarthritis and makes it possible to perform daily activities more easily.
If you are experiencing hip pain, contact NSOC today and let our qualified hip doctors get you on the road to recovery. Our goal is to help you achieve the highest level of function as quickly as possible so that you can once again enjoy your favorite activities.
The steps involved in total hip replacement surgery at NSOC in Kenya include:
Removing the damaged femoral head and replacing it with a metal stem that is placed in the femur’s hollow center; the stem may be cemented or “press fitted” into the bone.
Placing a metal or ceramic ball on the upper part of the stem to replace the damaged femoral head.
Removing the damaged cartilage surface of the socket and replacing it with a metal socket; screws or cement may be used to hold the socket in place.
Inserting a plastic, ceramic or metal spacer between the new ball and the socket to create a smooth gliding surface.
