Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease that can affect the hip joint. It can cause pain, stiffness, and restricted movement in one or both hips.

A person may experience hip pain on both sides of the body.

In this article, we look at how RA affects the hip. We also discuss its causes and symptoms and outline treatment options for managing the condition.

RA is a type of inflammatory arthritis, which occurs when an overactive immune system attacks healthy tissue in the body.

The hip joint consists of a ball and socket. The acetabulum, which is part of the pelvis bone, forms the socket. The femoral head, which is the top part of the thighbone, forms the ball.

A tissue called articular cartilage covers the surfaces of the ball and socket. This cartilage provides a smooth, slippery surface to allow the bones to move easily.

The hip joint also has a thin, protective covering called synovium. The synovium releases a lubricating fluid that allows better movement.

In people with RA, the synovium does not function properly. It becomes thicker and swollen and produces substances that attack the articular cartilage surrounding the hip joint.

RA usually affects smaller joints in the body to start with, such as in the hands and feet. As the condition progresses, it can spread to one or both hips.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), people may experience RA symptoms in both hips. This is because RA typically affects the same joint on both sides of the body.

Symptoms of RA in the hip include:

Symptoms of RA may come and go. The Arthritis Foundation (AF) notes that joint pain or stiffness that lasts for 6 weeks or more and joint stiffness in the morning that lasts for 30 minutes or more may be a sign of RA.

RA can also affect other areas of the body. People may experience dull, aching pain in the:

People can also experience more general symptoms, including:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is another type of arthritis that can develop in the hip.

OA is the most common type of arthritis and occurs when the cartilage around the hip wears down. This causes the bones to rub together, creating uncomfortable symptoms and restricted movement.

OA leads to pain and stiffness in the hip and can cause difficulty walking. Other symptoms of OA that differ from those of RA include:

Experts are currently still unsure why the body attacks healthy tissue and causes RA.

Researchers believe genetic factors could play a role in the development of RA. People with the condition may have genes that respond to environmental triggers, such as viruses, bacteria, or stress.

The AF notes that a person is more likely to develop RA if they have a family member with the condition. It also seems to affect females more often. However, there is no known reason for this.

People can discuss a treatment plan with a healthcare professional. A combination of treatments may be the most effective at managing RA symptoms.

Medication may help manage pain and reduce inflammation in the body.

A doctor may recommend:

If RA does not respond to other treatments, people may require surgery. There are two main types of surgery for treating RA of the hip:

During total hip replacement, a surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage and bone of the hip joint. They will then use a metal or plastic joint to replace the ball-and-socket joint.

Total hip replacement surgery can help alleviate pain and increase the range of motion of the hip joint.

Synovectomy involves removing all or part of the synovium. The procedure may be suitable for people with RA that has only damaged the joint lining, rather than progressed to the cartilage and bone.

Physical therapy may help increase freedom of movement and the range of motion in the hips.

Specific exercises may also help strengthen the muscles surrounding the hip, which in turn supports the hip joint.

Learn more about exercises for RA pain here.

Alternative treatment options include:

People may want to try acupuncture or acupressure to address their RA symptoms.

Acupuncture involves inserting small needles into specific points of the body to relieve pain.

Acupressure is a similar technique, but it uses firm pressure rather than needles to target specific points in the body.

People may find that massage helps relax muscles and reduce pain, stress, and anxiety.

Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, may help relax the body and lower stress.

People can also take time to do activities they enjoy to relieve stress and support emotional well-being.

Certain supplements such as omega-3 and curcumin, which is a compound present in turmeric may help relieve pain and morning stiffness.

People should consult a healthcare professional to check whether it is safe for them to take a supplement.

Some traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbal remedies may help slow the progression of RA:

It is important to note that research into herbal medicine is limited. Moreover, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that high quality studies on TCM herbal products are lacking.

It also states that a person should consult a healthcare professional before using any TCM remedy, especially if they:

The following home remedies may help people manage RA symptoms and relieve pain:

Doctors may use the following to diagnose RA:

Symptoms of RA may affect areas of the body other than the hips and legs.

Other symptoms in the body can include:

RA can also cause inflammation of the heart and blood vessels, which can damage the heart muscle, nerves, and organs. People with RA may also have a low red blood cell count.

People can speak with a doctor if they have unexplained hip pain or any other symptoms of RA. An early and accurate diagnosis can help in providing effective treatment for the condition.

A doctor may refer people to a rheumatologist, who is a doctor specializing in inflammatory conditions developing in the joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles.

RA causes inflammation of the hip joint. It can result in pain, stiffness, and difficulty with movement.

A combination of treatment options, including medication, home remedies, and alternative treatments, may help manage symptoms and relieve pain.

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Rheumatoid arthritis in the hip: Symptoms and management - Medical News Today