Hip Arthritis Treatment & Care

At Northampton Hip and Knee Clinic, we understand the profound impact hip arthritis can have on your life, affecting mobility and causing persistent discomfort. Led by Mr Pierre Nasr, a distinguished hip and knee surgeon, we provide comprehensive care for hip arthritis. Our approach integrates advanced treatments with personalised attention to alleviate pain, enhance joint function, and improve your overall quality of life.

Hip Arthisis

What is Hip Arthritis?

Hip arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis of the hip, is a condition where the cartilage cushioning the hip joint gradually wears away, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness. This deterioration can cause bones to rub against each other, resulting in discomfort and reduced mobility.

It commonly affects older adults but can also develop due to previous hip injuries or genetic factors. Treatment options range from pain management and lifestyle adjustments to surgical interventions like hip replacement surgery, aimed at relieving symptoms and restoring joint function.

The most common types of hip arthritis are as follows:

  • Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage in the hip wears down over time, resulting in bone-on-bone friction and the formation of bone spurs. 
  • Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder attacking the synovial membrane, leading to joint damage.
  • Post-traumatic arthritis develops after hip injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, accelerating joint degeneration.

Resources: What is Arthrisis – Information Booklet

Symptoms of Hip Arthritis

These symptoms vary in intensity and may worsen as the condition progresses. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing symptoms and preserving hip function.

Hip arthritis manifests through various symptoms, including:

    Pain: Persistent discomfort, often exacerbated by activity and relieved with rest.

    Stiffness: Difficulty moving the hip, especially after prolonged inactivity.

    Swelling: Inflammation around the hip joint, contributing to discomfort.

    Limited Range of Motion: Challenges in moving the hip fully.

    Instability: Feeling of the hip giving way during weight-bearing activities.

    Audible Sounds: Grinding or clicking sensations in the hip joint.

    Weather Sensitivity: Increased pain during cold or damp weather conditions.

Treatment options for hip arthritis include:

Medication management

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Lifestyle adjustments

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Physical therapy

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Hip joint injections

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Arthroscopic surgery to examine and treat hip joint issues

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Hip replacement for severe arthritis cases

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If surgery is recommended, Mr Nasr will provide detailed information on the procedure, outlining risks and benefits. Placement on the surgical schedule will occur once you agree on the treatment plan.

Preparation for Surgery

Preparing adequately for hip arthritis surgery is essential for a smooth recovery. Key preparations include:

Home Arrangements

  • Arrange for a family member or friend to assist you for the first two weeks after discharge. Their support is crucial for aiding in your recovery and daily activities.
  • Modify your living space to accommodate post-surgery needs. Ensure easy access to essential areas like the bathroom and kitchen, and consider setting up a comfortable area for exercise.

Meals and Shopping

  • Pre-cook and freeze meals in small portions to simplify heating and eating during recovery.
  • Stock up on essential groceries and household items. Online shopping services can be convenient since driving won’t be possible for about six weeks.
  • Purchase pain relief medications such as paracetamol to manage any discomfort following surgery.

Housekeeping

  • Thoroughly clean your home before hospitalisation to create a comfortable and hygienic environment for your recovery.
  • Arrange care for any dependents, including pets, to ensure they are well looked after during your absence and recovery period.

Transport

  • Plan transportation needs ahead of time, as you won’t be able to drive for approximately six weeks post-surgery. Check local transport options such as buses or consider using assisted transport services if needed.

Surgery Procedure

  • On the day of your hip arthritis surgery, detailed instructions will guide your hospital arrival and pre-operative preparations. Starting from 2 a.m., refrain from eating or drinking to facilitate anaesthesia requirements.
  • Upon arrival, the nursing staff will prepare you for theatre, including gowning. Mr Nasr will meet you to review the consent and mark the surgical site. The anaesthetist will discuss anaesthesia options and post-operative pain management.
  • The surgery involves an incision to access the hip joint, followed by meticulous removal of damaged cartilage and bone. Metal implants and a plastic insert are used to replace the joint surfaces, ensuring stability and functionality.

Why Choose Us

At Northampton Hip and Knee Clinic, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional care for hip and knee conditions. Here are four reasons to choose us:

Experience

Mr Pierre Nasr has extensive experience in hip and knee treatments, performing hundreds of procedures annually. His expertise ensures high-quality surgical outcomes.

Expertise

As a specialist in hip and knee surgeries, Mr Nasr brings a depth of knowledge and skill to every case, offering advanced treatment options tailored to each patient.

Personalised Care

We tailor our approach to each patient's unique needs and circumstances, ensuring a treatment plan that best suits your condition and lifestyle.

Proven Outcomes

Our clinic consistently achieves excellent results, with high patient satisfaction rates reflecting our commitment to exceptional care and successful treatments.

We understand that you may have questions about hip and knee injection treatments. In this section, we address some of the most common inquiries we receive. If you don't find the answer you're looking for, don't hesitate to reach out to our team for personalised information.

1. What is the recovery process like after hip replacement surgery?

The recovery process after hip replacement surgery involves several stages aimed at ensuring a smooth and successful recovery:

Immediate Post-Operative Period:

  • After surgery, you will spend time in the recovery room for monitoring before being transferred to a ward.
  • Discomfort is common initially, managed through pain relief administered via drip or morphine pump if necessary.
  • Within a few hours, you’ll start mobilising with the help of healthcare professionals.

Hospital Stay:

  • Over the next 24 hours, you’ll transition to oral painkillers and begin moving around the ward with assistance.
  • Nurses and physiotherapists will oversee your care, focusing on mobility exercises and ensuring proper healing.

Post-Discharge Care:

  • You’ll undergo regular monitoring, including a 2-week review to check your wound and for signs of complications like deep vein thrombosis.
  • At 6 weeks, a follow-up assesses your pain levels, mobility, and readiness to resume daily activities like sleeping on your side and driving.
  • Monitoring typically continues for 6 weeks and occasionally longer as required prior to discharge.

Home Recovery:

  • Upon discharge, you’ll receive exercises to perform at home to aid recovery and improve mobility.
  • Ensuring a supportive environment at home, including having medications, medical records, comfortable clothing, and necessary walking aids, is crucial.

2. How long does a hip replacement last?

Hip replacement surgery is designed to be a long-term solution for hip arthritis. Typically, modern hip replacements can last 15-20 years or more, depending on various factors such as age, activity level, and the type of implant used. Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is essential to monitor the health of your hip replacement over time.

3. Can Hip arthritis occur after surgery?

Hip replacement surgery aims to alleviate pain and restore function by replacing damaged parts of the hip joint with artificial components. While the surgery effectively treats arthritis in the replaced joint, arthritis can potentially develop in other joints due to underlying conditions or natural wear and tear over time. However, the replaced hip joint itself is not susceptible to arthritis recurrence.

4. What are the risks associated with hip replacement surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, hip replacement surgery carries certain risks and potential complications:

  • Anaesthetic Risks: Discuss these risks with your anaesthetist before surgery, including reactions to anaesthesia.
  • Bleeding: In rare cases, excessive bleeding during or after surgery may require a blood transfusion.
  • Infection: Despite strict sterile conditions, there is a risk of infection. Precautions such as antibiotic administration are taken to minimise this risk.
  • Nerve Injury: Numbness or hypersensitivity around the surgical site is uncommon but possible.
  • Blood Clots: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a concern post-surgery, with measures taken to prevent and monitor for this complication.
  • Other Risks: Rare complications may include issues like kidney problems, heart attacks, strokes, and infections.

Your healthcare team will take steps to mitigate these risks and provide you with comprehensive pre-operative counselling and post-operative care to ensure the best possible outcome from your hip replacement surgery.

Success stories for our patients

Our dedication to outstanding care is evident in the stories of our patients. Explore how our treatments have significantly improved lives, offering relief and restoring mobility for individuals just like you.

Ways to get in touch

Mr Pierre Nasr, MBBS BSc Dip IMC RCS (Ed) FRCS (Tr&Orth), is a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon with extensive experience in all aspects of hip and knee issues and also fracture management. His expertise ensures you receive the highest standard of care at Northampton Hip and Knee Clinic.

For more information about fracture treatment or to schedule a consultation with Mr Nasr, please contact us.

    Address:  Circle Three Shires Hospital, The Avenue, Northampton NN1 5DR