What to know about hip osteoarthritis in older adults

Pain may be felt in the groin, thigh, buttock or knee. Stiffness can be worse after rest, and tasks such as putting on socks, climbing stairs or getting out of a chair may become harder. Symptoms do not always match what appears on an X-ray. A clinician considers the pattern of pain, movement, strength and other possible causes before recommending care. Sudden severe symptoms are different from the gradual pattern and need review.

Keep moving with activities that your hip tolerates, such as walking in shorter bouts, water exercise or prescribed strengthening. A physiotherapist can work on hip and trunk strength, balance, joint movement and practical ways to pace tasks. Supportive footwear, a walking aid or changes to chair height may make daily activities easier when fitted correctly. Discuss pain medicines with a clinician, particularly if you have kidney, stomach, heart or other health problems. If symptoms continue to limit life, ask about injection or joint-replacement options.

Arrange a review if pain steadily worsens, sleep is disturbed, walking distance shrinks or you need increasing help with daily tasks. Seek urgent care for a hot, swollen joint with fever, sudden inability to bear weight, severe pain after a fall or new weakness or numbness. A new change in bladder or bowel control with back or leg symptoms also needs immediate assessment.

Ask whether your symptoms fit hip osteoarthritis, which exercises and aids suit you, how to pace activity and how medicines fit with your other conditions. If surgery is being considered, ask about preparation, rehabilitation and expected changes in daily function.