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Important information for patients - Dr. Capeci and RYC Orthopaedics have moved into a beautiful new office on the Upper East Side. The new office is located at 55 East 86th Street, #1A, New York, NY 10028. The phone number is 212-348-3636; all prior phone and fax numbers will continue to work as well. Dr. Capeci will be seeing patients exclusively in this location and his office hours will continue to be on Tuesdays and Thursdays, replacing both prior locations. Please pardon our appearance and any confusion that comes with this transition. Please call the office with any questions or concerns. Dr. Capeci looks forward to welcoming you to our new space! Thank you.

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.

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

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.

Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis of the Hip

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.

Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hip

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.
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