What is it
The osteoarthritis of the hip joint consists in the deterioration of the cartilage of this joint. It is relatively frequent, although not as much as osteoarthritis of knees or hands. In general, it is typical of older people, although it can appear before the age of 50, being exceptional in young people.
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symptom
The main symptom is pain, although rigidity and impairment of functionality (mobility) also appear. In hip osteoarthritis pain is localized in the groin area. Occasionally, the pain goes down the front of the thigh and can also hurt the knee, which may make the patient think that the problem is in the knee. Therefore, it is very important to know that hip pain is not located in the area of the body popularly known as "the hips."
Origin
It is not known. The cause of osteoarthritis is thought to be the consequence of a sum of genetic and environmental factors.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on the symptoms that the patient has along with the exploration of the hip, which presents a loss of mobility. To confirm the diagnosis, an X-ray can be done that shows the typical findings that arthritis produces in the joint, and allows to establish a prognosis according to the hip is more or less worn.
Treatment
Currently there is no treatment that can cure osteoarthritis, but it can relieve symptoms, slow their evolution and improve quality of life. For this, several alternatives are available: physical measurements, drugs and surgery.
The rheumatologist is the most experienced doctor to establish the diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis and differentiate it from other joint diseases, as well as to establish the optimal treatment according to the degree of the disease. The rheumatologist will refer you to other specialists when necessary and will advise you at the time about the convenience of the surgery.