Hip Arthritis & Osteoarthritis Treatment in Los Angeles

Hip arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic hip pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, particularly as patients age. The condition develops when the cartilage that cushions the hip joint gradually wears down, leading to friction between the bones and progressive joint damage. Over time, this can significantly affect walking, exercise, and overall quality of life.

Evaluating hip arthritis requires more than simply identifying joint wear. In Los Angeles, Dr. Farzin Kabaei approaches hip pain by determining whether symptoms are caused by degenerative cartilage loss, underlying structural abnormalities, or inflammatory processes that may require a different treatment pathway. His orthopedic training at Montefiore / Albert Einstein Medical Center and advanced fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center provide a strong foundation for diagnosing both straightforward and complex causes of hip pain.

This distinction is critical because hip arthritis often overlaps with conditions such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) or hip dysplasia, and treatment outcomes depend heavily on addressing the correct underlying problem.

What Is Hip Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis of the hip is a degenerative joint condition in which the protective cartilage covering the bones gradually breaks down. As cartilage wears away, the bones begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced joint function.

The hip joint is particularly vulnerable because it is a weight-bearing joint, meaning it absorbs significant force during walking, standing, and physical activity.

Over time, osteoarthritis can lead to:

• thinning or loss of cartilage
• bone-on-bone contact
• joint inflammation
• formation of bone spurs
• decreased range of motion

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting the hip.

How Common Is Hip Osteoarthritis?

Hip osteoarthritis is a widespread and growing condition.

• More than 528 million people worldwide are affected by osteoarthritis
• Up to 25% of people over age 55 may develop hip osteoarthritis
• Approximately 1 in 4 people may experience symptomatic hip osteoarthritis by age 85

These numbers highlight how common and impactful this condition is, particularly as the population ages.

Causes of Hip Arthritis

Hip osteoarthritis develops over time due to a combination of mechanical stress and biological factors.

Common causes include:

• natural aging and cartilage wear
• prior hip injury or trauma
• structural abnormalities such as hip dysplasia
• femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
• repetitive stress from physical activity
• excess body weight increasing joint load

In many patients, arthritis develops gradually over years as small amounts of cartilage damage accumulate.

Symptoms of Hip Arthritis

Symptoms of hip arthritis typically develop slowly and worsen over time.

Common symptoms include:

• pain in the groin, thigh, or buttock
• stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity
• reduced range of motion
• difficulty walking or standing for long periods
• pain during exercise or daily activities
• clicking or grinding sensations in the joint

Many patients initially notice discomfort during movement, which can progress to persistent pain as the condition advances.

How Hip Arthritis Progresses

Hip arthritis is a progressive condition, meaning it worsens over time if not managed properly.

As cartilage continues to deteriorate:

• joint space narrows
• bone surfaces become irregular
• inflammation increases
• movement becomes more restricted

Over time, this can lead to significant limitations in mobility and daily function.

Diagnosing Hip Arthritis

Accurate diagnosis is essential to determining the severity of arthritis and the best treatment approach.

During evaluation, Dr. Kabaei assesses:

• location and pattern of pain
• hip range of motion
• walking mechanics
• joint stiffness and function

Imaging studies typically include:

X-rays, which show cartilage loss and joint space narrowing
MRI scans, which evaluate cartilage, labrum, and soft tissues
CT scans, used in complex structural cases

These tools help determine whether symptoms are caused by arthritis alone or by additional structural conditions.

Non-Surgical Treatment for Hip Arthritis

In many cases, hip arthritis can be managed without surgery, particularly in early stages.

Treatment options may include:

• physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles
• anti-inflammatory medications
• activity modification
• weight management
• joint injections for temporary pain relief

These approaches aim to reduce pain, improve function, and slow progression of the disease.

When Surgery Becomes Necessary

Surgical treatment may be recommended when:

• pain becomes persistent or severe
• daily activities are significantly limited
• non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief
• joint damage progresses to an advanced stage

In these cases, hip replacement surgery is often the most effective treatment.

Modern hip replacement techniques focus on:

• restoring natural joint alignment
• reducing pain
• improving mobility
• allowing patients to return to normal activity

For many patients, surgery represents a transition from limited mobility to restored function.

Relationship Between Arthritis and Other Hip Conditions

Hip arthritis often develops alongside or as a result of other conditions.

These may include:

• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
• Hip dysplasia
• prior hip injuries or trauma
• labral tears

Addressing these underlying issues early can help slow or prevent the progression of arthritis.

Why Early Evaluation Matters

Hip arthritis does not develop overnight. It is typically the result of years of gradual joint changes.

Early evaluation allows for:

• more treatment options
• slower disease progression
• preservation of joint function
• improved long-term outcomes

Patients who seek treatment earlier often experience better results than those who wait until symptoms become severe.

Hip Arthritis Treatment in Los Angeles

Chronic hip pain should not be dismissed as a normal part of aging. When symptoms persist, worsen, or begin to interfere with daily life, a comprehensive orthopedic evaluation is essential.

Dr. Farzin Kabaei provides advanced evaluation and treatment for hip arthritis in Los Angeles. His approach focuses on identifying the exact cause of joint pain and developing a treatment strategy tailored to each patient’s anatomy, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

Whether treatment involves conservative care or advanced surgical intervention, the goal is always to restore mobility, reduce pain, and help patients return to an active and independent lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Arthritis

What is the most common type of hip arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form and is caused by gradual cartilage wear over time.

Can hip arthritis be reversed?

No, but symptoms can be managed and progression can often be slowed with treatment.

How do I know if I need hip replacement surgery?

If pain significantly limits daily activities and non-surgical treatments no longer help, surgery may be considered.

Is hip arthritis a normal part of aging?

It becomes more common with age, but it is not inevitable and can often be managed effectively.

Can exercise help hip arthritis?

Yes. Properly guided exercise can improve strength, mobility, and joint stability.