Hip Osteoarthritis Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC
Hip osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic hip pain and stiffness, making everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting out of a chair increasingly difficult. As cartilage gradually wears away, the hip joint can become painful, inflamed, and less mobile. Blake Ohlson, M.D. provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for hip osteoarthritis in Mount Pleasant, SC, offering personalized care ranging from conservative therapies to advanced joint replacement surgery when appropriate.
Serving patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding South Carolina communities, Dr. Ohlson focuses on relieving pain, improving mobility, and helping patients maintain an active, independent lifestyle with treatment plans tailored to their individual needs.
What is Osteoarthritis of the Hip?
Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs most often in the elderly. This disease affects the tissue covering the ends of bones in a joint called cartilage. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage becomes damaged and worn out, causing pain, swelling, stiffness and restricted movement in the affected joint. Although osteoarthritis may affect various joints including the hips, knees, hands, and spine, the hip joint is most commonly affected. Rarely, the disease may affect the shoulders, wrists, and feet.
What are the Causes of Osteoarthritis of the Hip?
Advanced age is one of the most common reasons for osteoarthritis of the hip. You may also develop osteoarthritis in the following cases:
- Previous hip injury or fracture
- Family history of osteoarthritis
- Suffer from hip diseases such as avascular necrosis and other congenital or developmental hip diseases
What are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis of the Hip?
You will experience severe pain that is confined to the hip and thighs, morning stiffness and limited range of motion.
How is Osteoarthritis of the Hip Diagnosed?
Based on your symptoms, your doctor will perform a physical examination, X-rays and other scans, and some blood tests to rule out the other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
How is Osteoarthritis of the Hip Treated?
There are several treatments and lifestyle modifications that can help you ease your pain and symptoms.
- Medications: Pain-relieving medications such as NSAIDs and opioids may be prescribed. Topical medications such as ointments can be applied over the skin to relieve pain. If the pain is very severe, corticosteroid injection can be administered directly into the affected joint to ease the pain.
- Other treatments: Your physiotherapist will teach you exercises to keep your joints flexible and improve muscle strength. Heat/cold therapy that involves applying heat or cold packs to the joints provides temporary pain relief. Lifestyle modifications are encouraged to control your weight and avoid extra stress on the weight-bearing joints.
- Surgery: Hip joint replacement surgery is considered as an option when the pain is so severe that it affects your ability to carry out normal activities.
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Hip Osteoarthritis Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Hip arthritis affects every patient differently, which is why treatment should be individualized based on symptoms, lifestyle, activity level, and the severity of joint degeneration. Dr. Blake Ohlson combines orthopedic expertise with the latest evidence-based treatment options to help patients find lasting relief while preserving function whenever possible.
Patients throughout Mount Pleasant, SC choose Dr. Ohlson because he offers:
- Fellowship-trained expertise in hip arthritis and joint preservation
- Comprehensive evaluations using advanced diagnostic imaging
- Personalized treatment plans focused on relieving pain and improving mobility
- Conservative therapies including medications, physical therapy, activity modification, and regenerative medicine options when appropriate
- Expertise in advanced hip replacement surgery for patients with severe arthritis
- Patient-centered care focused on restoring quality of life and long-term joint function
- Convenient access for patients from Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and nearby South Carolina communities
Whether you're experiencing early arthritis symptoms or advanced joint degeneration, Dr. Ohlson works closely with you to determine the most effective treatment strategy for your goals.
Hip Osteoarthritis FAQs
What is hip osteoarthritis?
Hip osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage cushioning the hip joint gradually wears away. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones can rub together, causing pain, stiffness, inflammation, and reduced mobility.
What causes hip osteoarthritis?
The condition most commonly develops with age, but other risk factors include previous hip injuries or fractures, family history of arthritis, congenital hip abnormalities, avascular necrosis, excess body weight, and repetitive joint stress.
What are the symptoms of hip osteoarthritis?
Common symptoms include groin or hip pain, pain that radiates into the thigh or buttock, morning stiffness, reduced range of motion, difficulty walking, and discomfort during activities such as climbing stairs or standing after prolonged sitting.
How is hip osteoarthritis diagnosed?
Diagnosis includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, and X-rays to evaluate joint space narrowing and other arthritic changes. Additional imaging or blood tests may be recommended to rule out other causes of hip pain.
Can hip osteoarthritis be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients benefit from non-surgical treatments including physical therapy, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, weight management, corticosteroid injections, and other conservative approaches designed to reduce pain and improve function.
When is hip replacement surgery recommended?
Hip replacement may be recommended when arthritis causes severe pain, significantly limits daily activities, and no longer responds to conservative treatment. The decision is based on symptom severity, imaging findings, and overall quality of life.
Can exercise help hip arthritis?
Yes. Low-impact exercises and strengthening programs prescribed by a physical therapist can improve flexibility, support the hip joint, reduce stiffness, and maintain mobility without placing excessive stress on the joint.
Will hip arthritis continue to worsen over time?
Osteoarthritis is generally progressive, but early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help manage symptoms, slow functional decline, and delay the need for surgery in many patients.
Schedule a Hip Arthritis Evaluation in Mount Pleasant, SC
If hip pain or stiffness is limiting your ability to enjoy everyday activities, early evaluation can help identify the cause and determine the most effective treatment before symptoms become more severe.
Dr. Ohlson proudly provides comprehensive care for hip osteoarthritis to patients in Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding South Carolina communities. Schedule your appointment today to schedule your consultation and learn about personalized treatment options that can help you move more comfortably and maintain your active lifestyle.