The hip joint is one of the body’s largest and most essential joints, supporting weight-bearing movements like walking, standing, and climbing stairs. When arthritis develops, it can turn even simple motions into painful challenges.
Hip arthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage that cushions the bones of the hip joint breaks down, leading to friction, stiffness, and inflammation. Over time, this damage can severely limit mobility and quality of life.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and managing all forms of hip arthritis — from Osteoarthritis, the most common wear-and-tear form, to Rheumatoid Arthritis, an autoimmune condition that causes chronic inflammation. Our goal is to help patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas regain mobility, manage pain, and maintain an active lifestyle through advanced, evidence-based orthopedic care.
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the femoral head (ball) and the acetabulum (socket) of the pelvis. Both surfaces are lined with articular cartilage, a smooth tissue that allows pain-free motion. When this cartilage wears down or becomes inflamed, the bones begin to rub directly against each other, causing pain and stiffness.
There are two primary types of arthritis that affect the hip:
- Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)
Osteoarthritis is the most common type and occurs gradually as cartilage breaks down from aging, overuse, or prior injury. It’s often associated with:
- Joint stiffness after rest
- Deep, aching pain in the groin, thigh, or buttock
- Limited range of motion
- Bone spurs visible on X-rays
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s joint lining (synovium), leading to chronic inflammation and cartilage loss. It often affects both hips and other joints simultaneously. Symptoms may include:
- Constant joint pain, swelling, and warmth
- Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes
- Fatigue and general malaise
- Episodes of flare-ups and remissions
Both forms lead to progressive damage, but understanding the cause is key to effective management.
While age and wear are leading contributors, several factors increase the risk of developing hip arthritis.
Common causes and risk factors include:
- Age: Cartilage naturally wears down with age.
- Joint injury: Previous trauma, fractures, or dislocations can accelerate degeneration.
- Repetitive motion or overuse: Common in athletes or active professionals.
- Obesity: Extra weight adds pressure and accelerates cartilage wear.
- Genetics: Family history of arthritis or connective tissue disorders.
- Inflammatory diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or gout can trigger hip inflammation.
- Structural abnormalities: Conditions like hip dysplasia cause uneven joint wear.
Understanding risk factors helps guide prevention and early intervention before permanent joint damage occurs.
Hip arthritis develops gradually and may be mistaken for muscle soreness or back pain in its early stages. Over time, stiffness and discomfort increase, limiting normal activities.
Common symptoms include:
- Dull or sharp pain in the groin, outer thigh, or buttock
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity
- Pain that worsens with walking, standing, or climbing stairs
- Instability or difficulty walking normally.
- Grinding or popping sensation (crepitus) in the hip joint
- Difficulty bending, squatting, or putting on shoes
- Pain that radiates to the knee or lower back
- Reduced range of motion or limping
If pain persists or interferes with sleep and daily function, evaluation by an orthopedic specialist is recommended.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, conducts a comprehensive evaluation to identify the type and severity of hip arthritis.
Diagnosis may include:
- Detailed history and physical examination: To assess pain pattern, range of motion, and mobility limitations.
- X-rays: Reveal joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and cartilage loss.
- MRI scans: Show early cartilage damage, inflammation, or labral involvement.
- Blood tests: Help distinguish osteoarthritis from autoimmune types like rheumatoid arthritis.
- Joint aspiration (if necessary): Fluid analysis to detect infection or inflammatory disease.
Accurate diagnosis ensures the most effective treatment plan for long-term joint preservation and pain relief.
The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, restore mobility, and slow joint damage. Dr. Burke offers both conservative and surgical options based on the stage of arthritis and each patient’s lifestyle needs.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Lifestyle modification: Low-impact exercises and weight management to reduce joint strain.
- Medications: NSAIDs and anti-inflammatory agents to manage pain and swelling.
- Focused stretches and strengthening exercises improve hip flexibility and function.
- Injections that use the body’s own platelets to promote tissue healing.
MACI Stem Cell Therapy
- Regenerative medicine for cartilage repair in early to moderate arthritis cases.
- Viscoelastic (Gel) Injections: Provide lubrication to reduce friction and improve joint motion.
Surgical Treatments
When conservative methods are no longer effective, surgery may provide lasting relief.
- Minimally invasive procedure to remove debris or smooth damaged cartilage.
- Replaces the damaged bone and cartilage with prosthetic components, restoring mobility and reducing pain.
- Corrects joint deformities and restores alignment for better long-term function.
Recovery from hip arthritis depends on treatment type and overall health.
- Non-surgical recovery: Pain reduction and improved mobility often occur within weeks of therapy and lifestyle changes.
- Post-surgical recovery: Most hip replacement patients begin walking within 24 hours and return to full activity within 3–6 months.
Rehabilitation tips:
- Participate in guided physical therapy to rebuild strength.
- Maintain a healthy body weight to reduce stress on the joint.
- Use assistive devices (if needed) during early recovery.
- Follow-up with Dr. Burke to monitor healing and adjust treatment.
Long-term results are best when patients stay active with low-impact exercise such as swimming or cycling.
While arthritis is a chronic condition, many patients live active, fulfilling lives with proper management.
Combining medical treatment with self-care strategies can greatly enhance comfort and mobility:
- Maintain regular physical activity
- Practice proper posture and ergonomic habits
- Apply heat for stiffness and cold for swelling
- Follow prescribed exercise routines consistently
- Communicate changes in pain or mobility with your orthopedic team
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we empower patients with knowledge, modern therapies, and compassionate support for lasting relief.
Seek evaluation if:
- Hip pain persists beyond a few weeks
- Stiffness limits walking, bending, or daily function
- You notice joint swelling or warmth
- Pain worsens at night or after activity
- Over-the-counter medications no longer provide relief
Early intervention slows progression, relieves pain, and helps avoid joint replacement later in life.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If hip pain, stiffness, or limited movement is affecting your independence, it’s time to find lasting relief.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide personalized care rooted in expertise and compassion, helping patients regain the freedom to move confidently again.
We proudly serve Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, offering advanced orthopedic solutions tailored to each patient’s needs.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and joint conditions.
