Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory condition in the ball and socket hip joint that causes gradual erosion of the cartilage in the hip joint. Typically, several other joints in the body can be affected.

Symptoms

Symptoms and signs include pain in the groin or the knee, limited motion and function of the hip, and a limp.

Treatment

Treatment initially is conservative and can include medications (antiinflammatory medicines, steroids, etc.) that may be best monitored by a rheumatologist or internist. Injections (steroids), assistive devices, alternative treatments, are other options.

Total hip replacement

Total hip replacement is reserved for patients with severe pain that is not improved by conservative treatment. Goal is improvement of pain, improvement of function, and improvement of quality of life.