Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that causes the cartilage between joints to break down over time. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the ball and socket joint of the hip, according to MayoClinic.com. Osteoarthritis of the hip causes pain and inflammation that lead to difficulty walking and bearing weight. Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, so treatment is focused on symptom management and may vary based on a patient's age, other medical conditions and severity of osteoarthritis symptoms.
Medications
Medications are used to treat the joint pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis. Pain medications prescribed may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen. As the disease progresses, stronger pain medications such as codeine and propoxyphene may be added. MayoClinic.com reports that shots of corticosteroids may be injected directly into the hip joint to help reduce inflammation. Doctors may limit the amount of corticosteroid injections given each year because, in large doses, corticosteroids may add to joint deterioration.
Physical Therapy
In the early stages of osteoarthritis of the hip, physical therapy is used to help patients manage pain and stiffness and increase mobility. The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that exercises like swimming, water aerobics and cycling may be ordered as part of a supervised physical therapy regimen. Patients are instructed on ways to rest the hip to prevent over-usage, as well as on range-of-motion and stretching exercises. A weight loss program may be initiated in order to decrease the weight burden put on the hip joint.
Arthrodesis
Arthrodesis is a procedure in which the ball of the hip is surgically fixed or fused to the pelvic bone with screws. The Hershey Medical Center College of Medicine reports that this procedure makes the joint stiff but pain free, allowing the patient to bear weight and walk better. Some patients walk with a cane after arthrodesis for better balance. This procedure is performed in patients who are considered too young for a total hip replacement.
Total Hip Replacement
A total hip replacement is often the most successful treatment of advanced osteoarthritis. The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that during a total hip replacement, a surgeon replaces the diseased ball and socket joint with an artificial one made of metal. Total hip replacements are typically done on patients over the age of 60, because younger, more active patients may put too much stress on the new joint, causing it to break or crack.
