Are you struggling with hip or knee pain that just won’t go away? Does it hurt to do simple things like walk, climb stairs, or even get out of a chair? If so, you may be one of the millions of Americans dealing with a degenerative condition or injury in your hip or knee.
At California Pacific Orthopaedics, we understand how debilitating this pain can be. Our team of expert orthopedic surgeons in the San Francisco, CA region is dedicated to helping you find relief and get back to the activities you love. We use the latest technology and the least invasive techniques to provide you with the best possible care.
Overview: What are Degenerative Hip and Knee Conditions?
Degenerative conditions are those that cause the cartilage in your joints to wear down over time. Cartilage is the smooth, rubbery tissue that cushions your bones and allows them to move easily. When this cartilage breaks down, the bones can rub together, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.
The most common degenerative condition of the hip and knee is osteoarthritis, also known as “wear-and-tear” arthritis. It can also be caused by injuries, such as a torn meniscus or a ligament tear.
Common Symptoms and Causes
The most common symptoms of degenerative hip and knee conditions are:
- Pain: This may be a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing pain. It may be worse with activity and better with rest.
- Stiffness: Your joints may feel stiff, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
- Swelling: You may notice swelling around the affected joint.
- A “grating” or “catching” sensation: You may feel or hear a grinding or popping sound when you move your joint.
- Decreased range of motion: You may not be able to move your joint as freely as you once could.
The primary cause of these symptoms is the breakdown of cartilage. This can happen for a number of reasons, including:
- Age: The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age.
- Genetics: Some people are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than others due to their genes.
- Previous joint injury: A past injury to your hip or knee can increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis later in life.
- Repetitive stress on the joints: Certain jobs or activities can put extra stress on your joints, leading to cartilage breakdown.
Common Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your risk of developing degenerative hip and knee conditions. These include:
- Age: As you get older, the cartilage in your joints naturally starts to wear down.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men, especially after menopause.
- Obesity: Carrying extra weight puts more stress on your hip and knee joints, accelerating cartilage breakdown.
- Genetics: A family history of osteoarthritis can increase your risk.
- Previous injuries: A history of hip or knee injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, can make you more susceptible to degenerative conditions.
- Certain occupations and activities: Jobs or sports that involve repetitive stress on the joints can increase your risk.
- Bone deformities: People with poorly formed joints or defective cartilage are at higher risk.
Diagnosis and Treatment
To diagnose a degenerative hip or knee condition, your doctor will start by asking you about your symptoms and medical history. They will then perform a physical exam to check your range of motion, and look for any swelling or tenderness. In most cases, an X-ray is all that is needed to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, your doctor may also order an MRI to get a more detailed look at the soft tissues in your joint.
There are a number of different treatment options for degenerative hip and knee conditions. The best treatment for you will depend on the severity of your condition and your individual needs.
Nonsurgical Treatments
- Lifestyle modifications: Losing weight, avoiding activities that put stress on your joints, and using assistive devices like a cane or walker can all help to reduce pain and improve function.
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen the muscles around your joint and improve your range of motion.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, your doctor may also prescribe stronger pain medications or give you a corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation.
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Surgical Treatments
If nonsurgical treatments are not effective, your doctor may recommend surgery. The most common surgical treatments for degenerative hip and knee conditions are:
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- Joint replacement: This is a procedure in which your doctor removes the damaged parts of your joint and replaces them with artificial parts.
What to Expect: Before, During, and After Your Procedure
If you and your doctor decide that surgery is the right treatment for you, it’s natural to have questions about what to expect. Here is a general overview of what you can expect before, during, and after a hip or knee procedure.
Before the Procedure:
- You will meet with your surgeon to discuss the procedure and answer any questions you may have.
- You will undergo a pre-operative evaluation to make sure you are healthy enough for surgery. This may include blood tests, an EKG, and a chest X-ray.
- You may be asked to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the procedure.
- You will need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from the hospital and to help you at home for the first few days after surgery.
During the Procedure:
- You will be given anesthesia to make you comfortable during the procedure.
- The surgeon will make an incision over your joint and remove the damaged cartilage and bone.
- The surgeon will then insert the artificial joint and close the incision.
After the Procedure:
- You will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored closely.
- You may go home the same day of surgery or may spend the night in the hospital.
- You will begin physical therapy soon after surgery to help you regain your strength and range of motion.
- You will need to use a walker or crutches for a few weeks after surgery.
- You will be full weight bearing after surgery.
- You should be able to return to most of your normal activities within a few months.
