Hip or Knee Arthritis

Hip or knee arthritis is often the result of “wear and tear” to the joints, also known as osteoarthritis.

About Hip or Knee Arthritis

Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, occurs when the cartilage that cushions and protects the ends of your bones within a joint gradually wears away. Osteoarthritis can result from overuse, trauma, or the natural degeneration of cartilage that occurs with aging. The joints of the hip and knee are especially vulnerable to osteoarthritis because they bear a lot of a person’s weight. However, joints that are used extensively in work or sports, or joints that have been damaged by injury or trauma may also show signs of osteoarthritis. With most types of arthritis, the joint becomes inflamed, causing swelling, pain, and stiffness. Inflammation in the joint may be severe and cause long-lasting or permanent disability. There is no cure for arthritis, but there are a variety of treatments to help relieve the pain and disability that it can cause.

Symptoms of Hip or Knee Arthritis

The symptoms of hip or knee arthritis tend to worsen over time.

Symptoms of hip or knee arthritis may include:

• Decreased range of motion of the hip or knee
• Pain or tenderness in the hip or knee
• Popping or cracking sound associated with hip or knee movement
• Swelling of the hip or knee

Risk Factors for Hip or Knee Arthritis

Certain people are at greater risk of developing hip or knee arthritis.

Risk factors for hip or knee arthritis may include:

• Age: As the cartilage damage associated with osteoarthritis occurs over a long period of time, hip and knee arthritis are more common in older adults.
• Personal history: Past injury or a history of joint overuse are associated with a greater risk for hip or knee arthritis. A history of obesity can also put greater stress on your joints over time.

Treating Hip or Knee Arthritis at UT Medicine 

Arthritis treatment at UT Medicine Austin typically starts with lifestyle modifications, including weight loss and exercise, which help preserve your joints and prevent the condition from progressing. Other treatments, such as over the counter NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), physical therapy, braces, and walking aids can be helpful in reducing your pain and maintaining your activity level. If that doesn’t help, you and your care team can discuss options like topical NSAIDs or injections. Depending on the progression of your condition and your goals, joint replacement surgery may also be an option to address your arthritis. Throughout the course of your treatment, your care team will work with you to understand the risk and benefits and what you can expect throughout your care.