Learning About Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Hips

Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately 1.3 million Americans and women are three times more likely to be affected. While the hands and wrists are most commonly affected, you may also find this disease attacking your hip joints. The pain associated with this form of arthritis in the hips often affects more than your hips, which can greatly affect your quality of life.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Hips

As a patient who has SI joint dysfunction and arthritic hip joints, I am no stranger to severe stiffness and pain in this area of my body. If you have rheumatoid arthritis in your hip joints, severe stiffness, pain and swelling are the general symptoms. This disease can be crippling as well, due to it causing permanent damage to your hip joints. When this disease is attacking your hips, the stiffness and pain can also sometimes be felt in your lower back, thigh and groin. You may also notice fever, fatigue and a reduction in your appetite. When this disease attacks your hips, it may come on suddenly or gradually.

Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Hips

If you already have a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam, discuss your symptoms and maybe do some X-rays to confirm that your symptoms are in fact caused by RA of the hips. If you have not been diagnosed with this disease yet, the process will include all of the above, along with a patient history and some blood work. Common imaging tests may include ultrasound, MRI and bone scan.

Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Hip

If you are already being treated for this condition, your treatment may or may not change right away. Your doctor will likely refer you to a physical therapist, but your medications may not change. If you are newly diagnosed, low-dose corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are commonly prescribed. Your doctor may choose one or a combination, depending on the stage and progression of your disease. Physical therapy is also common. A physical therapist will help you develop an exercise program that is effective in reducing pain and helping you maintain mobility. If your hip RA is severe and your joints are greatly destroyed due to this disease, hip replacement surgery may be considered. There are other surgical procedures for the hip that your doctor may consider as well, depending on the state of your hips, such as hip arthroscopy.

Resources

WebMD: Hip Rheumatoid Arthritis