osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis tends to occur in people over the age of 50 and is more common in those who are overweight or have had previous surgery, injury or trauma to the hip.
What is hip osteoarthritis?
Hip osteoarthritis is a condition which describes degeneration or wear and tear’ of the hip joint cartilage which surrounds the joint surface. This degeneration leads to inflammation, pain and stiffness.
As osteoarthritis progresses the bone eventually wears down to the end and the surfaces are no longer smooth. Small bony processes called osteophytes may develop which can increase the inflammation and pain.
What causes hip osteoarthritis?
There are several different things that can cause hip osteoarthritis including:
- Repetitive overuse
- Genetics
- Ageing
- Being overweight
- Leg length discrepancy
- Previous trauma or injury at the hip joint
- Poor core stability
- Poor biomechanics
- A sedentary lifestyle
What are the symptoms of hip osteoarthritis?
There are a few common symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hip including:
- Hip, groin or buttock pain
- Stiffness
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty walking
Symptoms develop gradually over time and in some cases where the osteoarthritis is mild, little or no symptoms are felt. Symptoms can also change throughout the year as some people find their osteoarthritis gets worse with cold weather.
How is hip osteoarthritis diagnosed?
Your doctor or physiotherapist can carry out a full hop assessment to diagnose whether you have hip osteoarthritis. A scan such as an X-ray or MRI can be used to confirm diagnosis and to see the extent of your arthritis and if any osteophytes are present.
What treatment can Farrell Physiotherapy offer for hip osteoarthritis?
There are several different treatment methods for hip osteoarthritis and your physiotherapist will provide you with a treatment plan following your assessment.
Treatment for hip osteoarthritis often includes:
- Joint mobilisations
- Advice on flare up management
- Balance training
- Gait re-education
- Walking aid advice including crutches, sticks or other aids
- Soft tissue massage
- Heat therapy
- Hip strengthening exercises
- Range of movement exercises
- Activity modification advice
- Weight loss advice if appropriate
If hip osteoarthritis becomes particularly severe and conservative measures are not helping with your symptoms then you may be given the option of a hip replacement where part of all of your hip joint is replaced. Physiotherapy following a hip replacement is paramount to ensuring you make a quick recovery and maintain your pre-operative range of movement and strength.
Benefit of physiotherapy for hip osteoarthritis?
As osteoarthritis is a progressive condition meaning it cannot be cured, physiotherapy can help reduce your symptoms and allow you to get on with your activities of daily living as easily as possible.
Benefits of physiotherapy include:
- Reduced pain
- Education regarding your condition
- Improved range of movement
- Increased strength
- Decreased stiffness
- Improved symptom management
- Increased functional/sporting activity
Don't let pain win...
Our Expert Physiotherapists in Witham and Chelmsford specialise in providing the latest treatments and techniques in order to get you pain free as soon as possible, cure the cause of your pain and help you to return to pre-injury levels of activity.
Furthermore, we'll also give you a bespoke exercise and rehabilitation program, and advise you on how to prevent re-injury and remain pain free.
Get in touch with us now on 01245 830280 or 07980 898212 or alternatively send us a message.
Insurance
At Farrell Physiotherapy we work with some of the uk's top insurance companies to ensure you're covered.
We can accept payment from AXA (PPP), Bupa, PruHealth, simplyhealth and Standard Life, if you have any questions about alternative payment methods, please get in touch with us using the contact form at the bottom of the page and we'll get back to you asap!
Where we are
We have two clinic locations within the Essex area. Physiotherapy in Witham and Physiotherapy in Chelmsford, please use the map below to view contact details for the clinic that you would prefer to visit.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday
6am to 9pm
Saturdays
9am to 12pm
Same day & Emergency appointments available most times.
Chelmsford
Unit 3b, The Old Coal Yard,
Little Waltham Road,
Broomfield, Chelmsford
CM1 7TG
Witham
Witham Leisure Centre,
Witham,
Chelmsford,
CM8 1EP
Get In Touch
If you have any questions prior to booking just send us a message using the form and we'll be in touch asap.
If you would prefer to talk to us on the phone we can be reached on 01245 830280 or 07980 898212 during business hours.