Hip Osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition in which the protective cartilage within the hip joint gradually wears down. It can cause hip pain, stiffness and difficulty with everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs and getting up from a chair.
What is hip osteoarthritis?
Hip osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the surfaces of the hip joint gradually becomes damaged or worn. As the joint changes, movement can become painful and stiff.
Treatment depends on symptoms, joint condition, activity level and how much the condition affects everyday life.
What Is Hip Osteoarthritis?
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the femoral head and the acetabulum. Healthy cartilage allows these surfaces to move smoothly with minimal friction.
With osteoarthritis, the cartilage can gradually become thinner and less effective at cushioning the joint. Changes may also occur in the underlying bone and surrounding tissues.
Hip osteoarthritis can develop gradually. Some people experience occasional discomfort initially, while others may develop persistent pain and increasing stiffness over time.
Ball-and-socket hip joint
Hip or groin pain
Stiffness and reduced mobility
Usually develops gradually
Symptoms of Hip Osteoarthritis
Hip arthritis symptoms can vary depending on the extent of joint changes and the individual's activity level.
Hip Pain
Pain may be felt in the groin, front of the hip, outer hip or sometimes the thigh and buttock.
Morning Stiffness
The hip may feel stiff after waking up or after remaining inactive for a period of time.
Walking Difficulty
Pain and reduced hip movement can make walking longer distances increasingly uncomfortable.
Difficulty With Stairs
Climbing stairs, getting into a vehicle or rising from a chair may become more difficult.
Reduced Hip Movement
Hip rotation and other movements may gradually become restricted.
Activity-Related Pain
Symptoms may become more noticeable after walking, exercise or other physical activities.
What Can Increase the Risk of Hip Arthritis?
Hip osteoarthritis can occur for several reasons. Age is one important factor, but younger people can also develop arthritis due to previous injury, structural abnormalities or other joint problems.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean that a person will definitely develop osteoarthritis.
How Is Hip Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?
A diagnosis usually combines your symptoms, physical examination and appropriate imaging.
Medical History
Your doctor will ask about pain, stiffness, previous injuries, activity limitations and how symptoms affect daily life.
Physical Examination
Hip movement, strength, walking pattern and movements that reproduce pain may be assessed.
X-Ray
X-rays can help identify changes in the hip joint, including reduced joint space and changes in bone.
Further Evaluation
Additional investigations may be considered when another condition needs to be ruled out or more detailed information is required.
Treatment Options for Hip Osteoarthritis
Treatment is individualised according to pain, mobility, lifestyle, activity requirements and the severity of joint changes.
Activity Modification
Adjusting activities that repeatedly aggravate hip pain may help reduce symptoms while maintaining appropriate movement.
Physiotherapy
A physiotherapy programme may focus on improving hip strength, mobility, balance and overall functional movement.
Weight Management
When appropriate, maintaining a healthy body weight can help reduce the load placed on weight- bearing joints.
Pain Management
Your doctor may recommend appropriate medicines or other measures to help manage pain based on your individual health profile.
Walking & Exercise
Suitable low-impact physical activity can help maintain mobility and general physical function.
Joint Replacement
When severe hip arthritis causes persistent pain and significant functional limitations despite appropriate non-surgical treatment, hip replacement may be considered.
Explore Joint Replacement →When Is Hip Replacement Considered?
Hip replacement may be considered when advanced osteoarthritis causes significant pain and limits everyday activities despite appropriate non- surgical management.
The decision is based on several factors, including pain severity, functional limitations, clinical examination and imaging findings.
Learn About Joint Replacement →Pain continues despite appropriate treatment.
Walking, stairs, sitting or other activities become increasingly difficult.
Imaging and examination show advanced joint degeneration.
Living With Hip Osteoarthritis
The goal of treatment is not only to reduce pain but also to help you maintain independence and everyday function.
Keep Moving
Appropriate movement and exercise can help maintain strength and mobility.
Manage Activity
Balance physical activity with adequate recovery and avoid repeatedly pushing through significant pain.
Follow Rehabilitation
Consistent rehabilitation can help support strength, mobility and confidence.
Get Assessed
Persistent or worsening symptoms deserve a proper orthopaedic evaluation.
When Should You See an Orthopaedic Specialist?
Consider an orthopaedic assessment if hip pain continues to interfere with walking, exercise, sleep or everyday activities.
Book a Consultation →Persistent hip or groin pain
Increasing stiffness
Difficulty walking
Difficulty climbing stairs
Pain affecting sleep or daily life
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hip osteoarthritis? +
Hip osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition in which the cartilage within the hip gradually becomes damaged or worn. It can lead to pain, stiffness and reduced hip movement.
What are the symptoms of hip arthritis? +
Common symptoms include hip or groin pain, stiffness, reduced movement, difficulty walking and discomfort during activities such as climbing stairs or getting up from a chair.
Where does hip arthritis pain usually occur? +
Hip arthritis pain is often felt in the groin or front of the hip. It may also be experienced around the outer hip, thigh or buttock.
Can hip osteoarthritis be treated without surgery? +
Yes. Depending on the severity of symptoms, treatment may include activity modification, physiotherapy, appropriate exercise, weight management and pain management.
Is walking good for hip osteoarthritis? +
Suitable physical activity can help maintain mobility and general function. However, the type and amount of exercise should be appropriate for the individual's symptoms and overall condition.
When is hip replacement recommended? +
Hip replacement may be considered when advanced arthritis causes significant pain and functional limitations that have not improved adequately with appropriate non-surgical treatment.
Can hip arthritis occur in younger people? +
Yes. Although osteoarthritis becomes more common with age, younger people can develop hip arthritis following previous injury, surgery, structural abnormalities or other joint problems.
Should I see a doctor for persistent hip pain? +
Persistent hip pain that affects walking, exercise, sleep or daily activities should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause.
What is the difference between hip arthritis and hip impingement? +
Hip osteoarthritis involves degenerative changes within the joint, particularly the cartilage. Femoroacetabular impingement involves abnormal contact between parts of the hip during movement and may contribute to joint damage in some people.
Don't Let Hip Pain Limit Your Life.
Get the cause of your hip pain assessed and understand the treatment options that may be appropriate for you.