Regenerative Therapies for Hip Arthritis: A Modern Alternative to Surgery

Hip arthritis is a debilitating condition affecting millions of adults worldwide, especially those over the age of 50. Characterized by chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, hip arthritis most commonly results from the wear and tear of cartilage known as osteoarthritis. It can also arise due to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or following an injury. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. suffer from doctor-diagnosed arthritis, and hip involvement is among the most common and disabling. 

Understanding Hip Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Contributing Factors

Hip arthritis involves inflammation and gradual deterioration of the cartilage in the hip joint. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, where the head of the femur (thigh bone) fits into the acetabulum (a socket in the pelvic bone). Cartilage—a smooth, cushioning tissue—covers the surfaces of the bones, allowing for pain-free, frictionless movement. When this cartilage begins to wear down due to age, injury, or disease, the resulting condition is known as arthritis of the hip.

Types of Hip Arthritis

There are several types of arthritis that can affect the hip, including:

1. Osteoarthritis (OA):
   The most common type, osteoarthritis is a degenerative “wear-and-tear” condition where the cartilage gradually breaks down over time. It primarily affects older adults but can occur earlier due to injury or overuse.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):
   This is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the synovial lining of the joint, leading to inflammation, pain, and ultimately joint destruction. It can occur at any age and often affects both hips symmetrically.
3. Post-Traumatic Arthritis:
   This type can develop after an injury to the hip, such as a fracture or dislocation, even if the injury occurred years before. It can accelerate cartilage degeneration and lead to early-onset arthritis.
4. Avascular Necrosis (AVN):
   AVN occurs when the blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted, leading to bone tissue death and subsequent joint collapse. It often progresses to arthritis.
5. Ankylosing Spondylitis and Psoriatic Arthritis:
   These are types of inflammatory arthritis that can affect the hip, leading to pain, stiffness, and joint damage, particularly in younger individuals.

Symptoms of Hip Arthritis

The symptoms of hip arthritis can vary in severity but usually progress over time. Common signs include: 

• Persistent Pain:
  Pain often starts in the groin, outer thigh, or buttocks and may radiate to the knee. It tends to worsen with activity and improve with rest.
• Stiffness:
  Morning stiffness or stiffness after long periods of inactivity is common. Over time, this can limit the range of motion and make everyday activities like walking, bending, or climbing stairs difficult.
• Swelling and Inflammation:
  The joint may become swollen and tender to the touch, especially in inflammatory types like rheumatoid arthritis.
• Grinding Sensation (Crepitus):
  As the cartilage wears away, patients may feel or hear a grinding or popping sensation when moving the hip.
• Reduced Range of Motion:
  Limited mobility can become apparent as the joint becomes more damaged, making it difficult to rotate or fully extend the hip.
• Limping or Altered Gait:
  As pain and stiffness worsen, individuals may begin to limp or shift weight to the opposite leg, leading to further issues in the knees or lower back.

Risk Factors for Hip Arthritis

Multiple factors can contribute to the development of arthritis in the hip:

• Age:
  Risk increases significantly after age 50, especially for osteoarthritis.
• Genetics:
  A family history of arthritis can predispose individuals to the condition, particularly in inflammatory forms.
• Gender:
  Women are more likely to develop certain types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Obesity:
  Excess body weight places additional stress on the hip joints, accelerating cartilage wear and inflammation.
• Injury or Trauma:
  A history of hip fractures, dislocations, or labral tears can increase the risk of developing arthritis later in life.
• Occupational and Athletic Overuse:
  Repetitive stress from certain jobs or sports (such as construction work or long-distance running) may increase joint wear.
• Developmental Conditions:
  Conditions like hip dysplasia, where the hip joint doesn’t form properly, can lead to early arthritis.
• Autoimmune Diseases:
  Rheumatoid arthritis and similar conditions are linked to immune system dysfunction, leading to joint inflammation and destruction.

In summary, hip arthritis is a progressive, often painful condition that can drastically affect mobility and quality of life. Recognizing the symptoms early and understanding the contributing factors is crucial for timely and effective treatment—especially now that cutting-edge regenerative therapies like PRP, stem cells, and Autologous Conditioned Serum therapy are available as non-surgical alternatives.

Traditional Treatments for Hip Arthritis

When managing hip arthritis, especially osteoarthritis—the most common form, doctors typically begin with conservative, non-surgical options. These aim to reduce symptoms like pain and stiffness, improve joint function, and delay or avoid surgery.

Conventional management options for hip arthritis typically begin with lifestyle adjustments, physical therapy, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), corticosteroid injections, and eventually progress to total hip replacement surgery when these methods no longer provide relief. However, these treatments often offer only temporary relief or come with significant risks and recovery time, especially in surgical cases.

1. Lifestyle Modifications

• Weight Management: Excess weight puts added pressure on the hip joint, worsening pain and accelerating cartilage degeneration. Losing even a modest amount of weight can significantly reduce symptoms.
• Activity Modification: Avoiding high-impact activities (like running or jumping) and switching to low-impact exercises (e.g., swimming, biking) helps preserve joint integrity.
• Physical Therapy: Guided exercises focus on strengthening surrounding muscles, improving range of motion, and maintaining joint stability. Stretching and balance exercises are often emphasized.

2. Medications

• NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen are commonly prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. However, long-term use can cause gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, or kidney complications.
• Acetaminophen: A milder alternative for pain relief, but less effective for inflammation.
• Topical Analgesics: Creams or patches like diclofenac gel may provide local pain relief with fewer systemic effects.
• Corticosteroids: Oral or injectable steroids can reduce inflammation temporarily, but their use is limited due to potential side effects and cartilage damage with repeated use.

3. Injections

• Corticosteroid Injections: These can provide short-term relief (weeks to a few months) from pain and swelling. They are often used when oral medications are insufficient.
• Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation): Though more common in knee arthritis, some practitioners use it in hips to mimic joint lubrication.

4. Assistive Devices

• Canes, Walkers, or Orthotics: These help offload the hip joint, improving mobility and reducing strain on the joint.
• Shoe Inserts: Correcting leg alignment may relieve pressure and prevent further joint deterioration.

5. Heat and Ice Therapy

• Heat can improve joint flexibility, while ice reduces inflammation and pain after activity. Both are non-invasive and easy to use at home.

6. Alternative Therapies

• Acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care have anecdotal benefits for symptom relief, though evidence is limited.
• Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin are widely used, but studies show inconsistent results regarding cartilage protection or pain reduction.

While these methods can be effective in managing early to moderate hip arthritis, they do not regenerate cartilage or halt the underlying degeneration. Over time, patients may find that medications or therapy offer diminishing relief, and eventually face the prospect of total hip replacement surgery.

Regenerative Medicine: A Game-Changer

Today, regenerative medicine is offering a promising alternative to traditional treatments for hip arthritis. At our clinic, led by Dr. Nourparvar, we provide advanced regenerative therapies including Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Stem Cell Therapy, and Autologous Conditioned Serum (marketed as Regenokine/Orthokine) Injections to help patients avoid surgery and regain their quality of life. Regenerative medicine techniques like PRP, stem cell therapy, and Autologous Conditioned Serum aim to slow progression, reduce inflammation biologically, and potentially repair damaged tissues, offering a non-surgical path for long-term management—especially when guided by an expert like Dr. Nourparvar, who specializes in advanced, ultrasound-guided precision therapies.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Hip Arthritis

PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood and involves concentrating platelets rich in growth factors to support tissue repair and reduce inflammation. When injected into the hip joint under ultrasound guidance, PRP stimulates the natural healing process of damaged cartilage and surrounding tissues. Studies have shown that PRP can significantly reduce hip pain and improve joint function, particularly in early to moderate stages of osteoarthritis. 

Stem Cell Therapy: Harnessing Your Body’s Potential

Stem cell therapy uses undifferentiated cells that can transform into cartilage, bone, and other tissues. Dr. Nourparvar is trained in multiple sources of stem cells including:

• Nano-fat and Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) from fat harvesting
• Bone Marrow Aspiration
• Umbilical Cord Stem Cells

These cells are processed and injected precisely into the hip joint using ultrasound guidance. Stem cells not only regenerate cartilage but also modulate the immune response and decrease inflammation, offering long-term pain relief and improved joint mobility.

Benefits and Applications of Stem Cells

1. Regenerative Medicine

• Can repair damaged tissues (cartilage, bone, ligaments, tendons).
• Used in treating conditions like hip and knee arthritis, tendon injuries, and degenerative disc disease.

2. Avoidance of Surgery

• Offers a non-surgical alternative for many orthopedic conditions.
• Especially beneficial for those who want to avoid joint replacement surgery.

3. Pain Reduction

• Stimulates tissue repair, reducing inflammation and pain naturally.
• Frequently used for back pain, joint pain, and sports injuries.

4. Improved Healing

• Promotes faster recovery from injuries or wear-and-tear.
• Commonly combined with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) to enhance results.

5. Personalized Treatment

• Can be derived from the patient’s own body (autologous stem cells), reducing the risk of rejection or complications.

Autologous Conditioned Serum Therapy (marketed as Regenokine/Orthokine): Natural Anti-inflammatory Treatment

Autologous Conditioned Serum, also known as Regenokine and Orthokine, is an innovative biologic therapy that involves using the patient’s own blood, incubated to produce anti-inflammatory proteins like IL-1 receptor antagonists. These proteins are reinjected into the affected joint to target inflammation at the molecular level. Regenokine is particularly useful for patients who cannot tolerate steroids or are looking for a natural alternative.

Why Choose Our Clinic

Dr. Nourparvar brings over 10 years of experience in regenerative medicine. He is a graduate of UCLA and earned his Medical Degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. His training includes prestigious institutions like UCLA, UC Irvine, Mount Sinai, NYU, and CHLA.

He received non-surgical orthopedic and PM&R training at:

• NYU Langone’s Rusk Rehabilitation – one of the largest and most prestigious rehabilitation programs in the U.S.
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue
• Montefiore and Albert Einstein College of Medicine

He specializes in non-surgical orthopedic care, particularly pain management and musculoskeletal medicine, with advanced skills in ultrasound- and X-ray-guided precision joint and tendon injections.

Dr. Nourparvar is also a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) for work-related injuries and has advanced training in musculoskeletal and osteopathic evaluations, providing a holistic, hands-on approach to diagnosis—focusing not only on imaging but on clinical presentation to identify the root source of pain. This allows patients to avoid unnecessary surgeries and receive personalized, non-invasive treatments.

Advanced Imaging and Technology

Our clinic employs the latest in diagnostic and therapeutic technology, including a handheld ultrasound system, which enhances precision with:

• simultaneous dual-plane visualization
• AI-driven enhancements for needle tracking
• Out-of-plane preset for targeting hard-to-reach areas

This technology makes treatments safer, more effective, and more comfortable. We have used these techniques to treat professional athletes from the NBA, NFL, Olympics, and high-profile individuals in the entertainment industry.

Personalized Care and Accessibility

We provide same-day consultations and treatments whenever possible. Our team ensures comfort through optional needle-free injections and nasal sedation for patients who may be anxious about procedures. Dr. Nourparvar is fluent in four languages, which enhances communication and patient experience.

If you’re struggling with hip arthritis and are not ready to commit to surgery, regenerative medicine may be the solution. PRP, Stem Cells, and Autologous Conditioned Serum therapy offer promising, non-invasive alternatives with the potential for long-lasting relief.

Call our clinic today to schedule your consultation or click here to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward pain-free mobility.

📞 Call us today at (310) 361-5480 to book your appointment or click here to schedule a consultation.

*Trademark Disclaimer

Stem Cell & PRP Institute of L.A. and Dr. Nourparvar are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Orthogen AG, Regenokine®, or Orthokine®.

Regenokine® and Orthokine® are registered trademarks of Orthogen AG. Any references to these therapies on our website are for informational purposes only and do not imply any partnership, ownership, or official association with the trademark holders.

Our clinic offers regenerative medicine treatments that may be similar in concept, such as autologous serum or cytokine-based therapies, but we do not claim to offer Regenokine® or Orthokine® specifically.