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Inflammatory Arthritis of the Hip

Dr.Okoroha

Inflammatory Arthritis Specialist

People involved in vigorous activities are at a higher risk of inflammatory arthritis of the hip. The condition occurs when the smooth lining at the ends of hip bones wears away or becomes inflamed due to an underlying disease. Inflammatory arthritis specialist,Dr. Kelechi Okoroha provides diagnosis and individualized nonā€surgical and surgical management for inflammatory arthritis of the hip in Minneapolis. Contact Dr. Okoroha’s team for an appointment today!

What is Inflammatory Arthritis of the Hip?

The inflammation of the joints is referred to as arthritis. Inflammation arises when the smooth lining called cartilage at the ends of bones wears away. In some cases, the inflammation is caused when the lining of the joint becomes inflamed as part of an underlying systemic disease. These conditions are referred to as inflammatory arthritis.

When inflammatory arthritis of the hip is suspected, it is important to schedule an orthopedic consultation for proper examination and care. Dr. Kelechi Okoroha is a inflammatory arthritis specialist who provides detailed examination and care for patients with inflammatory arthritis in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Minnesota and beyond.

Types of Inflammatory Arthritis of the Hip

The most common types of inflammatory arthritic conditions of the hip include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis: systemic disease of the immune system that commonly affects multiple joints on both sides of the body at the same time
  • Ankylosing spondylitis: chronic inflammatory disease of the spine and the sacroiliac joints (junction where the spine meets the pelvic bone)
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells and tissues

Symptoms of Inflammatory Arthritis of the Hip

The typical symptom of arthritis is joint pain. Inflammatory hip arthritis is mainly characterized by an aching pain in the groin region, outer thighs or buttocks. The pain is commonly most severe in the morning and sometimes lessens with activity during the day. Vigorous activities may result in increased pain and stiffness, and limit your movement, making walking difficult.

Diagnosis of Inflammatory Arthritis of the Hip

The diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis of the hip is based on a thorough physical examination performed by Dr. Okoroha.

Dr. Okoroha will ask you to move your hip in different directions to determine which motions are restricted or painful. X-rays and laboratory tests may be ordered to diagnose or rule out other conditions. X-rays may show thinning or erosion in the bones or loss in joint space. Laboratory studies will show the presence of a rheumatoid factor or other antibodies.

Treatments for Inflammatory Arthritis of the Hip

After careful review of your history and examination, Dr. Okoroha will provide an individualized treatment plan to help you return to your normal function. The treatment options vary depending on the diagnosis.

Non-surgical Treatment

Any infection in the hip joint is treated by non-surgical treatments that may provide relief with relatively few side effects.

  • Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroids may help reduce the inflammation.
  • Physical therapy may be recommended to help you increase the range of motion and strengthening exercises to maintain muscle tone.
  • Assistive devices such as canes or walkers can make your daily living activities easier.

Surgical Treatment

If the above non-surgical treatment options do not alleviate your symptoms, Dr. Okoroha may consider surgery.

The type of surgery to be performed depends on your age, condition of the hip joint, and the type and progression of the inflammatory disease. The goal of surgery is to relieve pain and improve the joint motion. The most common surgical procedures include:

  • Total hip replacement: Indicated for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
  • Bone grafts: Recommended for SLE. These grafts aim to build new blood cells to replace the old dead cells.
  • Core decompression: Helps to reduce bone marrow pressure and encourages blood flow. Core decompression is another treatment option for SLE.
  • Synovectomy: Removal of a part or whole of the joint lining. This is indicated if the inflammation has not affected the cartilage, but is limited to the joint lining or synovium.

If you have experienced inflammatory arthritis of the hip, please contact Dr. Kelechi Okoroha, orthopedic hip specialist treating patients in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Minnesota and beyond.