The word Arthritis is defined in the dictionary as
“inflammation of the joint or joints.” Inflammation is
usually in the synovium. The amount
of cartilage damage and inflammation varies with
the type and stage of arthritis. Normally pain is caused by
inflammation in the early stages of arthritis. The
cartilage becomes worn away in the later stages of arthritis
and the pain often comes from the bone on bone condition
when the cartilage is gone. Normally this is the time
when there are very few options left to relieve the pain,
except a hip replacement.

Osteoarthritis
(OA)

Osteoarthritis mainly damages the joint cartilage,
but there is often some inflammation as well. It does
not affect the internal organs. The cause of hip
osteoarthritis is not known. It is often thought to be a
process of wear and tear.  Sometimes a previous
injury or fracture can also cause osteoarthritis in the
hip. Sometimes growth problems such as a shallow socket
can also lead to arthritis. Also some childhood disease
like Legg-Perthe’s Disease can cause arthritis in the
hip. Osteoarthritis of the hip causes the cartilage to
either be thinner than normal or be completely gone. The
bone on bone condition of the head of the femur rubbing
against the bone of the pelvic socket causes a great
deal of pain. Fragments of cartilage can also float in
the joint and cause inflammation leading to pain. There
is currently no test available to find osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis of the hip is determined by a series of
x-rays.

The pain from Osteoarthritis in the hip is mostly localized in the
groin and/or thigh region (front, inner or outer side)
and may refer to the knee as well. There even may be low
back pain. The pain gradually worsens in intensity and
duration until it becomes constant, even at night. The
range of motion of the hip joint becomes really
disabling when you can no longer put your socks on or
tie your shoes.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Advanced RA in the hips resembles OA, but the joints are
narrowed symetrically unlike OA. The hips look like they
will almost move right right into the middle of the pelvis.
This condition is called protrusio acetabulae.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a
disease of the immune system. The joint becomes inflamed feeling
hot, swollen and painful. After time, stiffness and deformity occur.
The cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis is unknown, but is thought to be
an allergic reaction against one’s own body’s defense. It causes
degeneration of the joint as well, resulting in pain and disability
of the joint.

RA starts in the synovium and eventually
destroys the joint cartilage. The bone next to the cartilage is also
damaged and becomes very soft. RA affects many joints at one time
and also affects internal organs.

Lupus is another form of arthritis that affects the hip and is
mainly inflammatory.

There are blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis, but they are
often not very accurate. Test results for older people over 70 often
show positive for the rheumatoid factor, but often the people don’t
have rheumatoid arthritis. The test, by itself, is often not very
reliable.