In order to understand this condition it is important to understand the anatomy and function of the hip. Please read Hip Pain Info’s section on the anatomy of the hip.
The word arthritis means inflammation (swelling) of a joint. There are many different types of arthritis but there are two main categories: inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis.
What is the most common type of arthritis in the hip?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the hip. In osteoarthritis the inflammation of the hip is due to wearing away of the smooth coating (the articular cartilage) that covers the surfaces of the bones inside the hip.
What is inflammatory arthritis?
Inflammatory arthritis is different than osteoarthritis. In inflammatory arthritis, the joint lining becomes inflamed and this irritates the joint. Unfortunately, someone with inflammatory arthritis that involves the hip is at risk of eventually developing osteoarthritis of the hip.
Two common types of inflammatory arthritis that affect the hip are Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a disease of the immune system. Multiple joints on both sides of the body can be affected at the same time.
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a disease that results in chronic (long standing) inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac joint (where the spine and the pelvis attach). Ankylosing Spondylitis can cause inflammation in other joints including the hip joint.
What is the treatment for inflammatory arthritis of the hip?
The treatment of inflammatory arthritis of the hip depends on the type and the severity. Most types of treatment work the best when inflammatory arthritis of the hip is detected early. Once it is detected, doctors that treat people with inflammatory arthritis can plan out a treatment program.
Hip Pain Info’s links section has additional information on osteonecrosis of the hip. Links have been provided to other websites as well as online medical journals. Visit Joint Pain Info for information on other joint injuries and problems.