Rothman Orthopaedic Institute has a team of doctors who specialize in hip arthritis near New Castle Delaware, and who are committed to helping you continue pursuing the hobbies and interests you love.
Hip Arthritis: An Overview
Hip arthritis is the inflammation of the hip joint, where the femur (thigh bone) connects to the pelvis. There are multiple conditions that can cause arthritis inflammation in your hip. These include:
· Osteoarthritis
· Rheumatoid Arthritis
· Ankylosing Spondylitis
· Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)
· Psoriatic Arthritis
The most common of these is osteoarthritis, caused by the wear and tear of long term usage eroding the cartilage that protects the bones in your hip from rubbing together. When this happens, some common symptoms are:
· Aching, soreness, and general pain in the hip joint and surrounding areas
· Difficulty with ambulation and inability to walk for a long distance
· Stiffness and decrease range motion in the hipt
· Leg length discrepancy
· Limp
If you’ve been experiencing new or worsening symptoms like these, physicians who specialize in hip arthritis near New Castle can help improve your quality of life.
Treatment Options for Those Suffering from Hip Arthritis
Once you’ve seen a doctor for treatment of hip arthritis near New Castle, she or he will likely give you a number of treatment options. While cartilage cannot heal itself, there are various methods that you and your doctors can use to reduce pain and swelling, and improve stability and range of motion in your hip. These include:
· Light exercise, sometimes under the guidance of a physical therapist
· Weight loss to reduce pressure and wear on joints
· Dietary changes to increase intake of vitamins and minerals such as calcium
· Ice, heat, or both to alleviate pain and swelling
· Over the counter pain relievers under the direction of a physician
· Cortisone injections for relief of acute pain and inflammation
In cases where there has been significant injury and wear to the cartilage in the hip, or more conservative treatments have not helped, your doctor may recommend surgical options, including total hip replacement. These are important decision that can only be made by you, your doctor, and your loved ones, and will be tailored to suit your body’s specific needs.
Finding a Physician Who Specializes in Hip Arthritis Near New Castle
Physicians specializing in hip arthritis near New Castle Delaware can help you get back to living the lifestyle you want. Whether you’re chasing little ones down the boardwalk on the waterfront, running a race for a cause you’re passionate about, or hiking a nature trail in one of New Castle’s gorgeous state parks, your hip arthritis doesn’t have to be a hinderance to your activities.