Inflammatory Arthritis of the Hip

Overview
This condition is an irritation of the hip joint that can cause inflammation, pain, and limited mobility. Unlike osteoarthritis, which occurs from a wearing away of cartilage on the ends of connecting bones, inflammatory arthritis is a disease of the immune system that can affect multiple joints.

Causes
In some cases, a virus or bacteria may trigger an immune system response that attacks the joint in people with genetic predisposition. However, the exact cause of the condition is unknown. Types of inflammatory arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Symptoms
The most common symptom of inflammatory arthritis is pain in the hip joint, or across the groin, outer thigh, or buttocks. The pain may lessen with activity. Other symptoms include stiffness, limited mobility in the joint and difficulty walking.

Treatment
Treatment options include rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, disease modifying agents, antibiotics, and modification of daily activities. Severe cases may require surgery.