Osteoarthritis, sometimes called “wear and tear” arthritis, is a common degenerative condition. With hip osteoarthritis, the cartilage that cushions your joints wears away, causing inflammation, friction, and damage to the bones. Doctors can treat osteoarthritis with medication and surgery. People can also manage their symptoms with different exercises and stretches. All treatments for hip osteoarthritis aim to manage pain and improve mobility, but it does vary per individual. Initial treatment may simply be stretching and exercise. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, which means symptoms often worsen over time. If this is your case, your healthcare provider may recommend hip replacement surgery.
Dr. Peter Howard is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine and minimally invasive arthroscopy. Schedule an appointment today to receive expert care.