May is National Arthritis Awareness Month, a time to shed light on the millions of Americans living with this condition. Arthritis, a general term for joint inflammation, can affect any joint in the body, and the hip is a particularly common target. Osteoarthritis of the hip can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life, causing pain and stiffness that hinder daily activities.
The good news? You don't have to suffer in silence.
At the American Hip Institute, we understand the challenges of hip arthritis. We offer a comprehensive range of treatment options, including minimally invasive procedures designed to provide relief and restore your active lifestyle.
Understanding Hip Arthritis
There are several types of arthritis that can affect the hip. The most common is osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition where the cartilage that cushions your hip joint wears down over time. This can lead to bone-on-bone contact, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
Other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, are autoimmune diseases that can also affect the hip joint. These conditions cause the body's immune system to attack healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and pain.
Traditional vs. Minimally Invasive Hip Treatments
For many years, total hip replacement was the primary surgical option for treating severe hip arthritis. While a highly successful procedure, hip replacement surgery can involve a large incision and a long recovery time. Today, there are other options.
Minimally invasive surgery represents a significant advancement in hip treatment. These procedures use smaller incisions, specialized instruments, and advanced imaging technology to access the hip joint. This translates to several benefits for patients:
- Reduced Blood Loss: Smaller incisions typically mean less blood loss during surgery.
- Shorter Hospital Stays: Minimally invasive procedures often allow for faster recovery and shorter hospital stays.
- Faster Healing: Smaller incisions can lead to less tissue disruption and pain, promoting faster healing.
- Improved Cosmetic Results: Smaller incisions result in less scarring, leading to a better cosmetic outcome.
Minimally Invasive Treatment Options
At AHI, our hip orthopedic specialists are ready to help you. Depending on the severity of your condition and your individual needs, a variety of minimally invasive procedures can be offered to address your hip arthritis. Some of these include:
- Medications & Injections: Corticosteroid injections, platelet-rich plasma injections, vitamin and mineral supplements, as well as orthobiologic therapies can all help control pain and inflammation of the hip.
- Hip Arthroscopy:This diagnostic and therapeutic procedure uses a small camera and specialized instruments to diagnose and treat problems within the hip joint. Arthroscopy can be used to remove inflamed tissue, repair cartilage tears, and trim bone spurs.
- Outpatient Anterior Approach Hip Replacement: This refers to surgery accessed from in front of the hip in an outpatient (same-day) setting. It is a minimally invasive procedure that has been developed to cause less muscle damage, faster recovery, and less disruption in a patient’s life.
Bonus Tip!
Don't wait for hip pain to become debilitating. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for treating hip arthritis and preventing further damage. If you're experiencing hip pain, schedule an appointment with a specialist at the American Hip Institute. We offer personalized treatment plans designed to get you back on your feet and living an active life.
Take control of your hip health today!
