If you have hip arthritis, you probably experience pain and other symptoms on a regular basis. While taking medications for pain relief can help a bit, it is not an ideal solution. In the early stages of the condition, it can be fairly easy to manage it at home. However, if you experience bad hip arthritis symptoms, you should see an orthopedic doctor for treatment.
So how do you determine if your hip arthritis is bad? Let’s take a closer look.
Pain
- Pain can be a different experience for every person. This is why people sometimes have a hard time explaining their pain levels to others. This is also why some people tend to ignore their pain symptoms until it becomes unbearable.
Hip arthritis typically causes pain in the groin, thigh, and/or buttocks area. This is often the first symptom of hip arthritis, and it almost always worsens as the condition progresses. If you notice slight pain in one of these areas, your condition may be in the beginning stages. However, if your pain extends to two or more of these areas and is moderate or severe, it could mean your arthritis is progressing significantly.
People with moderate to severe arthritis also have trouble sleeping, particularly on the side of the affected hip. If you find yourself waking up in pain or just wake up in the middle of the night to switch sides because of hip pain, it means your hip arthritis is getting worse.
Stiffness and Swelling
Stiffness is another symptom you may experience if you have arthritis. It occurs when you have difficulty moving the joint due to a decreased range of motion in the joint than before. This stiffness may be unnoticed in the early stages of arthritis. However, as the condition progresses, it will likely get worse. You will notice the stiffness most when waking up in the morning or after extended periods of rest. As arthritis progresses, the stiffness will get worse and may be accompanied by swelling.
If stiffness and swelling are becoming a frequent occurrence or if these symptoms are causing you trouble in your daily activities, it means your hip arthritis is getting worse. If this is the case, you should seek the help of an orthopedic doctor.
Grating
In the early stages of osteoarthritis – a form of arthritis that stems from wear and tear – you may feel or hear a grating sensation or noise when you move your hip. For instance, you may notice it when you walk, climb steps, or get up to stand. The grating sensation may get more frequent and worse as your hip arthritis worsens. If you notice it on a regular basis, it could mean that your arthritis is getting worse. As such, seek treatment quickly.
Choose Our Farmington Hills, MI Orthopedic Surgeon for Your Hip Arthritis
At Tri County Orthopedics, we understand how debilitating and limiting arthritis can be on your lifestyle. That’s why we utilize state-of-the-art treatments to improve your symptoms as much as possible. We employ a combination of nonsurgical and surgical treatments and will work with you to find the best treatment solution based on your condition, symptoms, lifestyle, and preference.
If you have hip arthritis, we can help you find the best solution based on how bad your condition is. Contact Tri County Orthopedics, serving Farmington Hills and the nearby area, to make an appointment today. Call (248) 474-5575, or use our online contact form.
