The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint and is one of the largest joints in the human body. The sections of bone in the joint are protected by cartilage, which is a tough, smooth tissue designed to absorb shock, reduce friction, and allow the bones to glide together smoothly. When the cartilage wears down, this causes arthritis due to bone-on-bone rubbing.
If you have hip arthritis, you know that some days can be better than others. When arthritis symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and swelling become worse or more intense, this is known as a flare-up.
A flare-up can come on unexpectedly and can take a toll on your lifestyle. Let’s talk about what can cause hip arthritis to flare up, and where you can go for an orthopedic evaluation and treatment that reduces or eliminates your hip pain.
What Can Trigger a Flare-Up of Hip Arthritis?
Flare-ups can vary in duration, intensity, and frequency, and they can be triggered by a variety of factors. If you have osteoarthritis – which is the most common form of arthritis – weight gain can put increased pressure on weight-bearing joints, including the hip.
If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – which is an autoimmune condition that affects the joints and other organs in the body – hip arthritis flare-ups can be quelled if treated promptly. Infections such as a cold or flu virus can lead to flare-ups if you have RA, as they affect the immune system.
Some of the main factors that can cause an exacerbation, or flare-up, of hip arthritis include the following:
Overexertion
Hip arthritis can flare up due to overexertion or carrying out repetitive movements. The sudden or unexpected activity can also cause stress on the joints, causing pain.
Weather
Certain types of weather and changes in barometric (atmospheric) pressure can exacerbate hip arthritis, causing pain, tightness, and stiffness in the joint. Barometric pressure is the weight of the air around us, which varies depending on weather and altitude.
Barometric pressure often drops before bad weather arrives, and this has been linked to a flare-up of arthritis. Cold weather and humidity can also cause an exacerbation of hip arthritis.
Stress
Stress has been linked to flare-ups of arthritic symptoms, primarily in those with rheumatoid arthritis. Many scientists and medical experts believe that stress can lead to increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby causing a flare-up of hip arthritis.
Symptoms of a Flare-Up
A flare-up of hip arthritis can include symptoms such as the following:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Warmth
- Redness
- Difficulty moving or standing
- Trouble sleeping (due to hip pain)
- Reduced range of motion
Hip Pain Relief in North Dakota
If you suffer from arthritis or frequent hip pain, speak to the board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic physicians here at The Bone & Joint Center. We are a comprehensive orthopedic practice dedicated to providing state-of-the-art, compassionate, individualized care to effectively treat your condition.
For more information about the orthopedic services we offer, or to schedule a consultation at one of our offices across North Dakota, call our office today at (800) 424-2663 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you find pain relief so you can get back to the active lifestyle you enjoy!
