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Arthritis

When Wear and Tear Take a Toll

A progressive condition where joint cartilage wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the hip. Explore the causes, symptoms, and cutting-edge treatments designed to alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life.

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Understanding Joint Inflammation and Treatment Options

What is Arthritis?

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Arthritis refers to joint inflammation, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, a condition with a strong genetic component that results in the gradual and painful loss of surface cartilage. Other types of arthritis include inflammatory or autoimmune arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis; gout and pseudo-gout, caused by the buildup of crystals in the joint; and septic or infectious arthritis, which results from bacterial or viral infections. Osteoarthritis is characterized by uneven cartilage loss, bone spur formation, joint cysts, and progressive stiffness and deformity of the joint.

How is Arthritis Diagnosed?

Arthritis is diagnosed by evaluating clinical symptoms in conjunction with imaging results. Symptoms such as pain, stiffness, swelling, and joint deformity are assessed during a clinical evaluation, while X-rays can reveal signs of joint space loss, bone spurs, and cyst formation. It is not uncommon for patients to show significant arthritis on imaging without experiencing severe symptoms. In such cases, treatment decisions are guided by the patient’s clinical symptoms rather than imaging findings. Even when X-rays indicate "bone-on-bone" arthritis, treatment focuses on addressing individual pain levels and functional impairments.

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Treatment Options for Hip Arthritis

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The treatment of hip arthritis aims to reduce pain and improve mobility. For mild to moderate arthritis, non-surgical approaches often include anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen, which help alleviate joint inflammation and pain. Mobility aids like canes or walkers may be recommended to reduce stress on the hips, and weight management can help decrease pressure on the joint. Physical therapy programs focus on strengthening muscles around the hip and improving joint function, while various joint injections, including corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP), can reduce inflammation and slow the progression of cartilage deterioration.

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In more severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary. A hip replacement is the most reliable solution for advanced arthritis, offering significant pain relief and restoring joint function. For patients with milder arthritis, minimally invasive treatments like PRP injections or hip arthroscopy can provide relief for two to five years and may help maintain an active lifestyle.

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By addressing arthritis with a tailored approach, it is possible to manage symptoms effectively and improve joint health.

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