Hip Osteoarthritis Stage 1
This is the earliest and mildest stage of hip osteoarthritis (OA). In stage 1, there is little wear and tear between the hip joints, except for small bone spurs called osteophytes.
Symptom
Stage 1 hip arthritis is largely asymptomatic and rarely causes pain. For this reason, people with stage 1 hip arthritis may not know they even have the disease.
Stage 2 Hip Osteoarthritis
Stage 2 hip osteoarthritis is often referred to as mild hip osteoarthritis. Bone spurs may be visible on X-rays , but the space between the bones still appears normal.
Although the articular cartilage remains healthy at this stage, there is a gradual breakdown of collagen (one of the main proteins found in cartilage) due to increased production of enzymes called metalloproteinases.
Symptom
People with stage 2 hip osteoarthritis will begin to experience:
- Pain and discomfort in the hip joint, usually only on one side
- Pain or weakness in joints after strenuous activity
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time
Stage 3 Hip Osteoarthritis
Stage 3 hip osteoarthritis is characterized by significant erosion of the cartilage between the bones of the hip joint. As the space between the bones narrows, arthritis increases and promotes the growth of bone spurs.
At the same time, collagen fragments from the degenerated cartilage are released into the lubricating fluid surrounding the joint (called synovial fluid), changing its viscosity (thickness and stickiness) and further increasing joint inflammation.
Symptom
People with stage 3 hip osteoarthritis will experience:
- Hip pain during normal activities such as walking, running, squatting or kneeling
- Joint swelling when active or standing for a long time
- Stiffness in the morning or after sitting for a long time
- Crackling, grinding, or clicking noises when the hip joint moves
- Uneven or limping gait
- Strengthen weak hips
Stage 4 Hip Osteoarthritis
Stage 4 hip osteoarthritis is also known as advanced hip osteoarthritis. At this stage, the cartilage in the joint has become thin and extremely brittle. Chronic arthritis has contributed to the formation of large bone spurs and loss of synovial fluid.
Stage 4 hip osteoarthritis shows bone rubbing on bone and impaired joint function.
Symptom
With stage 4 hip osteoarthritis, symptoms tend to be severe and often include:
- Constant joint pain and stiffness with or without movement
- Significant loss of hip range of motion
- Hip weakness or a feeling that the hip may collapse downward
- Pain in the opposite hip due to compensating for the affected hip
- Leg muscles thin due to loss of mobility
- Sleep disorders due to pain
People with stage 4 osteoarthritis are also at higher risk of falling.
