Can Psoriatic Arthritis Cause Hip Pain?

If you have psoriatic arthritis and are experiencing hip pain, here are some ways to help manage it.

If you’re living with psoriatic arthritis, you’re no stranger to aches in smaller joints like your fingers and toes.

PsA in the hips is not as common as in other parts of the body. But, if you’re feeling hip pain and have some risk factors for PsA, it’s a good idea to pay a visit to your doctor.

They’ll suggest a mix of medications, natural remedies, and other therapies to help ease inflammation and discomfort. In addition to helping with your hip pain, these treatments may also boost your overall well-being.

If you do have PsA in your hips, you might experience symptoms on one or both sides. These symptoms might include:

• pain in one or both hip joints, possibly including pain in the groin, outer thigh, or buttocks
• stiffness
• reduced range of motion
• trouble walking
• difficulty going up the stairs
• waking up in the night with pain
• pain during sex

While hip pain with psoriatic arthritis may be relatively rare, remember, you’re not alone, and there are many ways to improve your comfort.

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What should I do if I’m experiencing hip pain?

An estimated 10% of folks with PsA experience pain in their hips. Pay attention to your hip pain symptoms, and talk with your doctor or rheumatologist.

If you’re already living with a PsA diagnosis, having this additional information will help them form a better treatment plan.

Or, if you have not yet been diagnosed, this may be an important symptom to help complete the picture of your health — after all, there’s no single test to confirm if you have PsA.

Your doctor or rheumatologist may perform some of these assessments to confirm if your hip pain is related to your PsA:

• take a history of your hip pain: when it started, where specifically the pain points are, and when you experience the pain
• examine for swelling, tenderness, pain, range of motion
• run blood tests
• X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs of your hip joints

Hip pain treatments and PsA

Understanding the cause and severity of your hip pain symptoms will help your doctor come up with an appropriate treatment plan, which may be a mix of medication, physical therapy, and suggestions for lifestyle changes.

Medication for PsA hip pain

For short-term relief, a corticosteroid injection can help manage the pain. An over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug (like ibuprofen) may work as well.

For long-term treatment, getting inflammation under control is key. Your doctor will be able to prescribe you the best option for your particular needs.

Other medications for hip PsA include:

• disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers
• biologic injections or infusions
• oral steroids

Physical therapy for hip pain and PsA

Physical therapy can complement a drug treatment to help you regain mobility and flexibility, and reduce pain.

Working with a physical therapist is a good idea to develop the right stretches and strength-training exercises to help build muscle around the hip joint. Low impact exercises can reduce discomfort associated with psoriatic arthritis overall.

A physical therapy program for PsA hip pain mainly includes:

• stretching
• hot/cold therapy
• exercises
• orthotics or assistive devices

Lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation

Practicing lifestyle habits that reduce inflammation may also help improve your comfort as you adjust to life with PsA. Consider experimenting with the following activities:

• practicing yoga and tai chi
• incorporating stretching routines into your day
• walking
• swimming
• eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory foods
• trying ice or heat therapies
• managing stress
• getting the right amount of sleep

Psoriatic arthritis hip pain complications

Hip pain can cause difficulty walking or using stairs. It can make other physical activities more challenging too, from sports to sex. This discomfort may impact your quality of life.

So, if the treatment options listed above — medications, lifestyle changes, physical therapy — don’t offer relief and you’re finding yourself struggling daily, it might be time to talk with your doctor about surgical options.

For severe PsA hip pain that doesn’t respond to nonsurgical options, a hip replacement (also known as hip arthroplasty) may be recommended.

This is a major surgery. Your doctor will evaluate the severity of your psoriatic arthritis and your overall health and consider your age to determine if you’re an appropriate candidate for hip arthroplasty.

Full recovery from a full hip replacement can take 3–6 months, but a successful procedure should give you back most of your mobility, flexibility, and comfort.

Other conditions that may cause hip pain

It’s important to note that hip pain can be caused by a variety of conditions and may not necessarily be affiliated with your psoriatic arthritis. Here is a list of other conditions that may cause hip pain:

• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• bursitis
• tendinitis
• muscle strain or overuse
• hip labral tear
• hip impingement
• fractures or dislocations
• osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis)
• sciatica
• herniated disc
• piriformis syndrome
• inguinal hernia
• hip dysplasia
• iliotibial band syndrome
• snapping hip syndrome
• referred pain from the lower back or abdomen

If you’re experiencing persistent or severe hip pain, consult a healthcare professional to confirm the root cause and receive the right diagnosis and treatment.

Takeway

Hip pain affects a small percentage of people living with psoriatic arthritis. The discomfort of this symptom can be alleviated with the help of gentle exercise, lifestyle changes, and the right medication.

If you’re experiencing this uncomfortable symptom, talk with your doctor about options for managing your hip pain.