Hip Arthritis Diagnosis

Hip arthritis pain varies greatly from person to person. The pain of hip arthritis may be the result of inflammation of the synovial membrane (tissue that lines the joints), tendons, or ligaments; muscle strain; and fatigue.

The first step in diagnosing hip pain is establishing a medical history. Your WellStar physician will ask a series of questions that might include:

• Are your symptoms worse after activity or rest?
• Are there certain activities that make them worse – or better?
• How long have you been experiencing hip symptoms?
• Did you recall having an illness or accident around the time your symptoms began?
• Are you experiencing symptoms in any joints besides the hip(s)?

Your WellStar physician will do a physical examination to determine causes of pain. The patient might undergo X-rays or other imaging procedures such as a CT scan (computerized tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to see how much joint damage has been done.

The doctor may also order lab tests if your symptoms and physical examination suggest rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnostic Procedures

• Physical exam
• X-ray
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)