Hip Osteoarthritis

OPA treats a wide variety of hip conditions and offers comprehensive treatment options — including many non-surgical solutions, minimally invasive hip arthroscopies (repairs) and total hip replacement.

Meet Our Hip Specialists

What is a Hip Osteoarthritis?

Hip bursitis is inflammation of hip bursae—small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint and help it move. Trochanteric bursitis, the most common type of hip bursitis, is bursitis of the bursae that covers the greater trochanter of the femur (leg bone). Iliopsoas bursitis is bursitis of the iliopsoas bursa on the inside of the hip near the groin.

Common Causes:

- Aging
- Obesity
- Genetics, and injuries

Symptoms of Hip Osteoarthritis may include:

- Groin pain
- Thigh pain
- Stiffness
- Weakness
- Decreased range of motion
- A grinding sound (crepitus) when walking

When you arrive for your initial consultation, Orthopedic Physicians Alaska (OPA) team of hip specialists will evaluate your areas of concern, discuss your symptoms, and develop a customized and comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. This evaluation is a necessary part of diagnosing your condition and providing the best possible care.

When diagnosing hip osteoarthritis, the OPA specialist will provide:

- A medical, injury, and symptom history review
- A physical examination
- Multiple view x-rays

Once an official diagnosis is made, a customized treatment plan is prescribed. Treatment plans decrease your symptoms to help you live an active lifestyle.

Common Treatments:

Hip osteoarthritis cannot be cured. An early diagnosis is a key to effective treatment. A combination of treatment options decreases symptoms and prevents arthritis from becoming worse. Treatment options include:

Activity Modification

Limits movements that cause symptom flare-ups.

NSAIDs

Oral medications decrease nerve inflammation and pain.

Physical Therapy

One of OPA’s onsite physical therapist prescribes and monitors strengthening and stretching exercises.

Severe hip osteoarthritis may require surgery. A partial hip replacement and total hip replacement are commonly performed. An OPA specialist removes arthritic cartilage and bone and replaces it with metal and plastic components. Physical therapy after surgery makes the hip stronger and more flexible. You will regain balance and coordination. Pain and other symptoms decrease quickly. You will return to normal everyday life with no pain.

At OPA, our Board Certified and Fellowship Trained team of hip specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating hip osteoarthritis.

If you are experiencing symptoms of hip osteoarthritis and would like a treatment solution you should contact OPA to schedule an appointment at any of our convenient locations in Anchorage and Wasilla.