Arthritis is the most common orthopaedic issue worldwide. It is so common that more than 350 million people worldwide have arthritis, according to the Global RA Network. Most people think arthritis only affects the fingers, elbows, knees, and toes, but an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore treats the arthritis of the hips.

There are a myriad of joints around the musculoskeletal system. They are in your jaw, neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, spine, hips, knees, ankles, toes, and so on. The primary purpose of your joints is to connect two separate bones and allow them to move.

Arthritis is a condition where the joints in the body become swollen, tender, and inflamed, causing joint pain. There are two types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the wearing off of the cartilage in the joints. It causes the bones to rub against each other, causing pain.

On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease. The immune system attacks the joints, causing pain and joint damage.

This article will discuss hip arthritis and its treatment in Singapore.

Hip Arthritis Overview

The hips have the largest joint in the body: the ball and socket joint. This ball and socket joint connects the lower limbs to the hips, and hip arthritis affects this particular joint. Aknee and hip specialist in Singapore can diagnose, prevent, and treat hip arthritis.

The Hip Structure

Hip arthritis occurs right below the pelvis. A large part of the pelvic bone forms a socket called the acetabulum. The ball-like end of the femur (thigh bone) fits perfectly in the acetabulum or the socket. The articular cartilage lies between the ball and the socket to prevent the two bones from rubbing against each other.

Smooth and slippery, the cartilage acts like a cushion that protects the bones and a lubricant that allows the femoral head to glide when walking or running.

When this cartilage becomes damaged or has thinned down, it does not provide a cushion and adequate lubricant. Hence, the femoral head and the acetabulum rub against each other, causing pain. The loss of lubricant or fluidity in the movement causes stiffness.

This cartilage damage is often called hip arthritis. There are several causes of hip arthritis; it all depends on the type of arthritis.

You can visit your orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore if you suspect hip arthritis.

Symptoms of Hip Arthritis

●    Pain in hip or thigh

A person with hip arthritis may feel pain in the groyne and thigh that radiates to the buttocks and knees. The pain exacerbates during and after activities, such as walking and running. Pain can also be felt in the morning when the person gets up after the night’s rest.

●    Hip stiffness

Thigh and leg movements, such as bending, rotating, and bending, are difficult and painful when hip stiffness is present. Consult your orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore if you are experiencing this symptom.

●    Cracking noise

A person with hip arthritis may hear noises, such as cracking, grinding, clicking, and crunching when moving their thighs and legs.

●    Immobility

Hip arthritis may experience a limited range of motion in their lower limbs. The person may limp or may not be able to walk. Consult your hip and knee specialist in Singapore if you have this symptom.

●    Hip weakness and joint pain during rainy days

All symptoms seem to worsen during the rainy weather.

Causes of Hip Arthritis

The causes of hip arthritis depend on the type of arthritis the person has. It is better to visit a knee specialist in Singapore to determine the type of arthritis you have.

●    Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, is caused by wear and tear of the cartilage in the ball and socket. Repetitive motion and gradual wearing and thinning of the cartilage cause the femoral head and the acetabulum to grind against each other.

Hip arthritis due to osteoarthritis is common among older people. Consult your orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore for proper diagnosis.

●    Rheumatoid arthritis

In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the healthy cartilage and other joints. It causes the synovial lining that protects the hip joint to swell. Rheumatoid arthritis can also break down the cartilage.

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect young and old. Consult your orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore for proper diagnosis.

●    Post-traumatic hip arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis is caused by the lingering complication of a previous injury. For example, an accident that injures the hip, such as a fall and slip, damages the cartilage or displaces the ball and socket alignment. The damage and displacement can speed up the wearing off of the cartilage, resulting in arthritis.

It can affect younger and older people but is most common in seniors since they are more prone to accidents. Visit yourorthopaedic surgeon in Singapore if you suspect post-traumatic hip arthritis.

Hip Arthritis Treatments

Non-surgical treatments

●     Medication

An orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore may prescribe pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation, and antirheumatic drugs for rheumatoid hip arthritis.

●     Physical therapy

Physical therapy, gentle exercises and activities increase the legs and hips’ flexibility.

●     Weight loss

Weight loss removes the pressure off of the hips, reducing the pain.

●     Assistive devices

Canes and walkers remove the pressure off the hips and lower limbs, reducing the pain.

You can consult your orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore for recommended assistive devices.

Surgical Treatments

●     Total hip arthroplasty

Total hip arthroplasty in Singapore, also known as hip replacements, is a procedure that replaces the damaged acetabulum and femoral head with a device made of metal, plastic, or ceramic.

●     Osteotomy

Osteotomy is a procedure where the femoral head or the acetabulum is cut and realigned.

●     Hip fusion

Also known as hip arthrodesis, hip fusion is a surgical procedure that fuses the hip joint using surgical pins, plates, and screws.

You must consult your orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore for the appropriate surgical hip arthritis treatment.

Conclusion

Don’t let hip arthritis stop you from exploring the world. Get a hip arthritis treatment from a reputableorthopaedic surgeon in Singapore.

Advanced Orthopaedic and Sports Centre

Are you in need of total hip arthroplasty or shoulder labral tear treatment in Singapore? Get the procedures you need at Advanced Orthopaedic and Sports Centre.