Symptoms of hip arthrosis

Introduction

Osteoarthritis of the hip joint is a disease of wear and tear caused by incorrect and excessive strain and is one of the most common orthopedic diseases, especially in older patients. In most cases, osteoarthritis of the hip joint does not initially cause any symptoms and the person affected is not aware of the incorrect loading and the signs of wear. Over time, however, bone wear occurs to such an extent that the cartilage in the acetabulum, which prevents the femoral head from sitting directly on the socket, is completely worn away.

As a result, the head of the femur sits directly on the bone of the hip. Every movement causes friction, which is the cause of the actual complaints. Hip arthrosis, also known medically as coxarthrosis, is therefore a degenerative disease of the hip caused by wear and tear.

The wear and tear of the joint cartilage in the hip joint (cartilage damage in the hip joint) causes continuous damage to the hip bones. The symptoms of hip arthrosis vary depending on the stage of the disease. In particular, the pain increases significantly.

Diagnostic for hip pain

If you are looking for the cause of your hip pain or you do not know exactly what is causing your hip pain, let us guide you through our hip pain diagnostics and arrive at the most likely diagnosis.

Symptoms of incipient hip arthrosis

Symptoms of incipient hip arthrosis are initially mainly pain in the hip joint. Patients complain of pain, which occurs mainly at the beginning of movement. This type of pain is also called starting pain.

Many affected patients perceive the pain as a dull pain. After sitting for a long time or getting up in the morning, hip arthrosis sufferers find it difficult to take their first steps. This is characterized by pain in the affected hip region.

However, the pain may not be directly attributable to the hip joint, as it is often rather diffuse. This initial pain usually subsides after a few steps and improves with movement. Pain in the iliac crest is also possible.

A prognostically unfavorable sign is when this pain occurs increasingly frequently or increases in intensity. Another symptom of incipient hip arthrosis is that patients find it increasingly difficult to perform certain movements. Classically, descending stairs and certain rotational movements in the hip joint are more difficult and painful. In the context of incipient hip arthrosis, overuse pain often occurs. Another symptom of incipient hip arthrosis is the increased feeling of stiffness in the joints, which patients notice.