Hip osteoarthritis is a chronic condition in which the cartilage in the hip joint deteriorates, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. It primarily affects older adults and can be caused by aging, overuse, genetic factors, or injuries. Treatment includes pain relief, physical therapy, medication, and sometimes a hip replacement.
A treatment at Cortoclinics is covered by the Dutch basic health insurance. If you want your treatment to be reimbursed through your Dutch health insurer, you’ll need a referral letter from your general practitioner. Please make sure to bring this letter to your first appointment or send it to us in advance.
We always plan a first outpatient visit well in advance, so that you have plenty of time to ask questions. Once everything is clear, we will start working on a treatment plan for you, based on your specific situation and needs.
The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint that connects the pelvis and the femur. It consists of a socket (pelvis) and a ball (femur), both covered with cartilage for smooth movements. A strong joint capsule, muscles, and tendons hold the ball in place. Within this capsule, a synovial membrane produces joint fluid for frictionless movement.
A cartilage ring at the edge of the hip socket (the labrum) not only increases the load-bearing surface of the hip socket but also seals the joint fluid within the joint. Muscles around the joint provide stability and movement.
Cartilage in the hip can wear down or become damaged, reducing the space between the pelvis and the femur bones. This causes the bones to rub against each other, losing the cartilage’s gliding function and causing pain. The rubbing deforms the cartilage and sometimes the bones; they wear down. Gradually, the cartilage disappears completely, leading to bone-on-bone contact, also known as terminal hip osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is sometimes called wear and tear, but wear and tear and osteoarthritis are not the same. Wear and tear is a natural process, while osteoarthritis is a specific condition affecting joint cartilage.
Sometimes, you only experience pain after intense activity. Pain can also occur during normal daily activities or at night as osteoarthritis progresses. Often, you have fewer complaints when cycling than when walking.
Also, with hip osteoarthritis, you do not always have pain complaints, and not everyone experiences pain in the same way. Sometimes, for example, you may suffer more from limited movement and muscle pain.
The diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis is based on an inventory of complaints, physical examination, X-rays, and medical history. The orthopedic surgeon assesses your gait, the mobility of your joint, and any swelling and tenderness.
X-rays show the location of the osteoarthritis, which can be present in different areas of the hip joint. A CT, MRI, or bone scan can detect smaller cartilage lesions in the joint.
No referral letter yet?
Osteoarthritis is irreversible and cannot be cured. You will choose the best treatment with your doctor, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the stage of the osteoarthritis. Surgery is not always necessary, especially in the early stages, and self-care can alleviate many symptoms.
You can reduce your symptoms by adjusting your lifestyle, such as avoiding excess weight, ensuring sufficient exercise, and quitting smoking.
Injecting medications such as local anesthetics, corticosteroids, or hyaluronic acid can relieve pain and reduce inflammation and fluid in the hip joint.
In the early stages of osteoarthritis, pain-relieving medication or a course of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can alleviate symptoms.
An artificial hip joint to replace your own hip can improve the quality of life in advanced osteoarthritis.
Read here: What it’s like to undergo hip replacement surgery
Orthopedic surgeons Nanne Kort, Paul van Rensch, and Frank Jonkers are orthopedic care experts with years of experience in hip replacement surgeries. They use the latest technologies, such as Mako robotic arm technology, to ensure precision and optimal results. The Cortoclinics approach, advanced orthopedic care combined with warm personal attention, is focused on long-term satisfaction. Everything is aimed at your recovery and well-being. At Cortoclinics, you are in experienced and skilled hands.
A clinic appointment with the orthopedic specialist within five working days.
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Ensuring the best fit and alignment, faster recovery, and long-term satisfaction.
In our clinic, you’re a person, not a number.
Our treatments are reimbursed by all Dutch health insurers.
A clinic appointment with the orthopedic specialist within five working days.
Read moreSmart digital tools to support you in the best way possible.
Ensuring the best fit and alignment, faster recovery, and long-term satisfaction.
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Begin your journey to recovery at Cortoclinics
Enjoy your regained freedom of movement