Arthritis is a common medical condition that causes inflammation, and there are more than 100 different types of arthritis. The most common type, which is osteoarthritis (also often called just “arthritis”), causes pain and swelling of the joints such as the hips and the knees.
Osteoarthritis of the hip is a degenerative joint disorder that usually develops as people become older, but it can also develop among serious athletes and frequent runners. It can also occur when an injury to the joint caused damage to the hip cartilage.
Arthritis remains a serious health issue in the United States. It is estimated that 54 million Americans suffer from arthritis, and 60% of those patients are between the ages of 18 and 64 – which are generally the most productive years of our lives.
What Causes Arthritis of the Hip?
One of the most common joints affected by osteoarthritis is the hip. The hip is a large ball-and-socket joint which is formed by a part of the pelvis bone, called the acetabulum (the socket), and the upper end of the femur (upper leg bone), which forms the femoral head.
This type of arthritis occurs due to joint injury or wear-and-tear breakdown of the cartilage. Cartilage is a rubbery and firm material covering the ends of the bones. Its primary function is to act as a shock absorber and reduce friction in the joints. When the cartilage is damaged or worn down, it can cause deformity, pain, and swelling in the joint.
The two main types of arthritis that can affect the hip joint are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis:
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the wear-and-tear degradation of the protective cartilage in one or more joints. When the cartilage is worn down, the bones rub together – which causes inflammation and pain. This is the most common type of arthritis, affecting athletes due to overuse of certain joints and affecting older adults due to the natural wearing down of the protective cartilage.
There are two types of osteoarthritis: primary osteoarthritis and secondary osteoarthritis. Primary osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that affects the fingers, spine, knees, and hips. Meanwhile, secondary osteoarthritis occurs due to injury or inflammation of the joint.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the entire body, not just the joints. The inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis is due to a compromised immune system rather than overuse or age as is the case with osteoarthritis.
RA can occur in people of all ages, including children, and it is more common among women than men. There are treatments available to help quell the symptoms of RA.
Hip Doctors in North Dakota
If you are looking for orthopedic excellence and exceptional care to treat your painful hip, trust the orthopedic surgeons and medical staff at The Bone and Joint Center. With state-of-the-art equipment and revolutionary medical treatments, our orthopedists are ready to provide the best treatment for your orthopedic injury or condition – whether it be due to hip arthritis, sports injury, or fracture.
Contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (800) 424-2663 or fill out our appointment request form now, and schedule an appointment today!
