Hip Osteoarthritis Treatment Options

Can hip osteoarthritis be treated without surgery?

Some people live active lives, never knowing they have hip osteoarthritis and don’t have any hip pain. When hip arthritis symptoms develop, patients can choose to treat either the symptoms or treat the structure and symptoms. Conservative treatment treats only the symptoms of hip arthritis.

Non-operative treatment of hip osteoarthritis involves a change in activities to avoid movements that cause hip pain, including taking time off from activities that cause hip pain, using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and physical therapy. Typically, symptoms will resolve within several weeks of conservative, non-surgical treatment. An injection of a steroid, hyaluronic acid (gel injection), or PRP can also help relieve hip pain. If your hip pain is resolved with non-operative treatment and you are able to return to your desired level of activity, then no joint replacement surgery is needed.

What are the surgical options for hip osteoarthritis?

When nonsurgical hip arthritis treatments do not relieve hip pain and imaging confirms hip osteoarthritis, it is reasonable to consider the more definitive treatment option of surgery. Surgery for hip osteoarthritis is a hip replacement surgery, otherwise known as a total hip arthroplasty. A joint replacement surgeon will need to be consulted to further discuss a hip replacement. Since Dr. Chahla does not perform hip replacements, Dr. Chahla can provide you with a referral to a joint replacement surgeon he knows well and that performs over 1,000 hip replacements in a year. When consulting with a joint replacement surgeon, you will learn more about the surgical procedure of a hip replacement and the rehabilitation and recovery timeline. You will also have that opportunity to discuss any additional questions or concerns you may have regarding a hip replacement.

It is essential to seek medical attention if you suspect you have hip osteoarthritis or are experiencing hip pain and reduced mobility. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can help improve your quality of life and prevent the condition from worsening. A joint replacement surgeon that Dr. Chahla knows and trusts well will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.