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Home > Specialties > Hip > Common Hip Diseases and What Causes Them

What are some common hip diseases and what causes them?

Osteoarthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease - the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is also known as "wear and tear arthritis" since the cartilage simply wears out. When cartilage wears away, bone rubs on bone causing severe pain and disability. The most frequent reason for osteoarthritis is genetic, since the durability of each individual’s cartilage is based on genetics. If your parents have arthritis, you may also get it.

Trauma - can also lead to osteoarthritis. A bad fall or blow to the hip can break bone. If the bone does not heal properly, the joint may slowly wear down.

Inflammatory arthritis - swelling and heat (inflammation) of the joint lining called synovium causes a release of enzymes which soften and eventually destroy the cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus and psoriatic arthritis are inflammatory in nature.

Osteonecrosis - part of the hip bone loses its blood supply and dies. The hip bone then collapses and severe pain follows. Osteonecrosis is most commonly caused by steroids or excessive use of alcohol.

What are the symptoms of hip disease?

Pain is the most frequent symptom for patients with hip arthritis. The pain is usually described as being in the groin, buttocks, thigh or occasionally the knee. The pain is frequently associated with activity and relieved by rest. It may occur at night and, in severe cases, prevent sleep. Patients also complain of stiffness and often limp when they walk.

How can a doctor diagnose arthritis?

Doctors diagnose arthritis with a medical history, physical exam and x-rays of the hip.