Osteoarthritis 12
Deterioration of the cartilage that protects the hip joint causes this condition. This cartilage reduces friction between the ball and socket of the hip joint. Typically, deterioration is accompanied by the advent of pain in the hip joint, stiffness, popping or cracking in the hip joint, loss of joint flexibility, and hip swelling.
The likelihood of developing osteoarthritis is increased by metabolic diseases such as diabetes, joint injury, repeated stress on the hip joint, and obesity. Osteoarthritis has a gradual onset marked by progressively worsening pain. Typically, an x-ray or MRI is used to diagnose osteoarthritis.
If hip osteoarthritis is diagnosed, painkillers such as acetaminophen and duloxetine are administered. This may also be supplemented by physical therapy designed to strengthen the hip joint’s muscle. Additionally, surgical procedures such as joint replacement and cortisone injections may be utilized.
