Hip Arthritis Treatment

Our orthopedic specialists at DOCS Health provide hip orthopedic care in Los Angeles, including evaluation of joint pain and discussion of nonsurgical and surgical treatment options. If hip pain or stiffness is making walking, climbing stairs or getting dressed difficult, an evaluation can help identify the cause and guide your next steps.

Hip arthritis affects the tissues of the ball-and-socket joint. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, develops as cartilage and other joint tissues break down over time. Cartilage normally helps the bones move smoothly against one another. Osteoarthritis is not simply the result of everyday wear. Age, family history, previous joint injury, excess body weight and differences in hip structure can contribute to the risk. Younger adults can also be affected, and some people develop osteoarthritis without an obvious risk factor.

Other forms include inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, in which an abnormal immune response can damage joint tissues. Post-traumatic arthritis may develop after a serious hip injury. Identifying the type matters because treatment for inflammation caused by an immune condition differs from treatment for osteoarthritis.

Can Hip Arthritis Improve Without Surgery?

Osteoarthritis cannot currently be cured, but treatment can reduce symptoms and help you stay active. Its course varies: some people have manageable symptoms for years, while others develop greater limitations. A diagnosis does not automatically mean you need hip replacement.

The goal is to improve comfort and function while monitoring changes. Inflammatory arthritis needs a different approach: early treatment of the underlying disease can help prevent further joint damage.

Diagnosing Hip Arthritis

An evaluation includes a review of your symptoms, medical history and previous injuries, along with an examination of hip movement, strength and walking pattern. Hip pain can also arise from conditions such as bursitis or hip impingement. Because symptoms overlap, pain location alone cannot establish the diagnosis.

X-rays can show changes such as narrowing of the joint space or bone spurs. Early changes may not always be visible. Additional imaging is sometimes needed, but an MRI is not routinely required for every patient. Blood tests or other testing may be appropriate when inflammatory arthritis or another cause of joint pain is suspected.

Your physician considers the examination, test results and effect on your daily life together when recommending care.

Hip Arthritis Treatment

Treatment often begins without surgery. Your plan depends on the type of arthritis, symptom severity, health history and activities you want to maintain.

Low-impact activity and physical therapy can help improve strength, flexibility and movement. Swimming or cycling may be more comfortable than high-impact exercise. A physical therapist can help tailor exercises and adjust movements that aggravate symptoms. The aim is to remain active within your abilities rather than stop moving altogether.

Weight management, when appropriate, can reduce stress on the hip. A properly fitted cane or other walking aid may make walking easier, while simple aids such as a long-handled reacher can help with tasks that require bending.

Pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medicines may help control symptoms. Your physician should review your health history and other medications before recommending them. Over-the-counter medicines can also have side effects and interactions, so they are not suitable for everyone.

For selected patients, a hip joint steroid injection may provide temporary symptom relief. The amount and duration of relief vary. Injections do not rebuild damaged cartilage, and the potential benefits and risks should be discussed before treatment.

Inflammatory arthritis may require care from a rheumatologist and medication directed at the underlying disease. Exercise and pain relief alone do not replace that treatment.

When Is Hip Replacement Considered?

Hip replacement may be considered when pain, stiffness or reduced function continues to interfere with daily activities or rest despite appropriate nonsurgical care. The decision depends on your symptoms, joint damage, overall health and goals, rather than age alone.

Replacement removes damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with artificial components. Your surgeon can explain the expected benefits, possible complications and rehabilitation involved. There is no single decision that fits every patient.

DOCS Health offers robotic hip replacement surgery. Your surgeon can discuss whether robotic assistance is appropriate as part of your surgical plan; it is not required for every patient.

When to Seek Care for Hip Pain

Arrange an evaluation if hip pain is persistent, keeps returning or interferes with walking, everyday activities or sleep. You do not need to wait until symptoms become severe to discuss your options.

Seek urgent medical care for sudden severe hip pain without an injury, a hip that becomes hot and swollen, or hip pain accompanied by fever or feeling unwell. Go to an emergency department for severe pain after a fall or injury, or a new inability to walk or bear weight. These symptoms should not be assumed to be an ordinary arthritis flare.

For persistent hip pain or stiffness, contact our orthopedic team to schedule an evaluation at DOCS Health in Los Angeles.