Hip Osteoarthritis
Guided Injections.
What is Hip osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) occurs when the surfaces within your joints become damaged, preventing smooth movement. Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and dramatically affects the quality of life for those living with it. As we age, we can lose joint space between the acetabulum (hip socket) and femur (thigh bone). We can lose the congruency of the joint surface, leading to pain and loss of function.
Hip OA isn’t solely linked to ageing; younger individuals can develop secondary hip OA due to factors like trauma, congenital hip dysplasia, developmental disorders, infections, metabolic conditions, and other underlying causes.
What are the common symptoms of this?
Pain around the hip joint, groin, buttock, or front of the thigh that often worsens with movement or activity. You may also experience hip stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for a while. Some people notice a locking, sticking, or grinding sensation in the hip, along with weakness in the buttock muscles. This can make daily tasks, like walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair or out of a car, more difficult (NHS, 2023)
Common Signs and Symptoms:
- Pain in the groin is the most common symptom.
- Pain in the thigh, buttocks or down your leg to the knee.
- Crepitus is the grinding noise and “locking” or “sticking” you feel when you move your hip.
- Stiffness in the hip joint makes it difficult to walk or bend.
- Decreased hip range of motion may affect your ability to walk and cause you to limp.
How is this diagnosed?
To assess your condition, your physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms and conduct a physical examination, looking for the following:
- How well your hip moves in different directions.
- Any signs of injury or inflammation.
- Grinding or creaking sensations (crepitus) during movement or walking.
- Problems with your walking pattern or posture.
- Pain when pressure is applied to the hip area.
In some cases, your physiotherapist may recommend that you get imaging tests, such as X-rays, to check for joint space narrowing, bone changes, or bone spurs. Occasionally, an MRI or other imaging techniques may be suggested to provide a detailed view of the bone and surrounding soft tissues.
Treatment options
Guided Corticosteroid Injections
For persistent pain, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and provide short-term relief.
Guided Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections guided by ultrasound scans are a state-of-the-art treatment for osteoarthritis, cartilage degradation, and joint pain at MSK Clinic Physio.
Your Clinician
BSc Physiotherapy MSCP (Hons)
PGCert Independent Medical Prescriber
PGCert Soft Tissue and Joint Injection Therapist
PGCert Diagnostic Ultrasound