There are many different forms of hip arthritis that cause a wide range of different symptoms. Two of the most common types of hip arthritis are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
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Hip Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, the most common form of hip arthritis, is also known as ‘Degenerative Joint Disease’. Arthritis means inflammation of the joints and osteoarthritis occurs when hip cartilage (spongy layer between two joining bones) gets broken down and becomes damaged, resulting in irritation, swelling and disfigurement.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
One of the biggest problems with RA is that the body tissue is attached to our immune system. This means that not only does it affect the lining of the hip joints causing them to inflame but it can also affect the eyes, skin, heart, lungs, nerves and even the blood. This is a chronic disorder meaning that regardless of symptom-free periods, the disease is always developing and can come back at any time.
Causes of hip arthritis
As hip arthritis is a degenerative disease, it is more common in older patients. Cartilage is made up of mainly water and proteins and, although it may repair itself, the body cannot grow new cartilage. Arthritis is caused from the constant breakdown of the cartilage throughout one’s life due to physical activity, resulting in swelling and inflammation.
Symptoms of hip arthritis
- Swelling
- Irritation
- Redness
- Joint pain
- Restricted movement
Diagnosis of hip arthritis
One of our Consultant Hip Specialists will perform an initial physical examination to assess the range of movement in the hip joints and look for any bone swelling. Further diagnosis must be determined through our imaging department. Your Hip Consultant will send you for an MRI test or X-Ray. In the case of suspected Rheumatoid Arthritis, which can affect many areas of the body, a blood test may also be required to determine the cause and the extent of damage.
Treatment of hip arthritis
There are many treatment options for arthritis depending on the individual case and the affecting factors. Your Consultant may suggest one of the following:
- Medication
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Surgery
- Podiatry
- Complimentary therapies (such as acupuncture or homeopathy)
Contact us
To ask a question about hip arthritis or to book an appointment, contact our specialist team available Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm and on Saturday from 9am – 1pm. Our hip specialists team have a dedicated and caring approach and will seek to find you the earliest appointment possible with the correct specialist for your needs.
If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP. You can simply refer yourself and book an appointment. If you have medical insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa PPP, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer for authorisation for any treatment and, in most cases, you will require a referral letter from your GP.
If you do not have a GP, then we have an in-house private GP practice that you can use. Alternatively we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstance.
Call us on 0207 078 3811 or email us at [email protected]
Hip Clinic
Our London-based specialist Hip Clinic offers an extensive range of treatments for hip conditions and injuries. Our multidisciplinary team of hip consultants can offer a combined treatment plan tailored to individual patient needs.
Patient information
Our Hospital is renowned for providing exemplary levels of care across more than 90 services. From orthopaedics, to urology, our private GP practice and Urgent Care Clinic, our services are led by some of London’s leading Consultants. For more information, and to find a service suitable for your care, find out more about the services that we offer.
Make an enquiry
If you have any questions relating to treatment options or pricing information, get in touch with us by filling out one of our contact boxes or giving us a call on 0207 078 3811.
Our Appointments Team have a dedicated and caring approach to finding you the earliest appointment possible with the best specialist.
If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP for a consultation. You can simply refer yourself* and book an appointment.
If you have health insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa Health, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer to get authorisation before any treatment, and in most cases you will also require a referral letter from your GP.
If you are not registered with a GP, we have an in-house private GP practice you can use. Alternatively, we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstances.
*Please note – for investigations such as X-rays and MRIs, a referral will be required. However, we may be able to arrange this for you through our on-site private GP.
