What are the treatment options for hip osteoarthritis?

Hip osteoarthritis involves changes to the cartilage and other joint tissues. Pain and stiffness may make walking, rising from a chair, putting on shoes, or sleeping on one side harder. An assessment considers symptoms, movement, strength, daily demands, and imaging rather than an image alone.

Physiotherapy and exercise therapy can improve strength, joint movement, balance, and confidence with daily tasks. Weight management for joint pain may reduce load through the hip when body weight is contributing to symptoms. A cortisone injection can provide selected patients with short-term symptom relief, but suitability and timing need individual review. If pain and loss of function remain substantial, hip resurfacing or total hip replacement may be discussed; each has different requirements and implant considerations. Read about [Hip Osteoarthritis](/conditions/hip-osteoarthritis/), [Exercise Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/exercise-therapy/), [Weight Management for Joint Pain](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/weight-management-for-joint-pain/), [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/), [Hip Resurfacing](/treatments/joint-replacement/hip-resurfacing/), and [Total Hip Replacement](/treatments/joint-replacement/total-hip-replacement/).

Arrange a review when hip pain limits walking, work, sleep, or personal care, or when stiffness is steadily worsening. Seek urgent care after a fall if you cannot bear weight, or if a hot swollen joint comes with fever. Sudden calf swelling, chest pain, or breathlessness after an operation needs immediate medical attention.

Which activities and exercises suit my hip? Would an injection be appropriate for my symptoms? How will you judge whether resurfacing or replacement fits my age, bone quality, and goals? What can I expect from rehabilitation?