Hip Osteoarthritis

Hip osteoarthritis is gradual damage to the hip joint surfaces that can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. The ball-and-socket joint may then move with more friction. Symptoms can be felt in the groin, buttock, outer hip, or thigh, and may make walking, rising from a chair, or climbing stairs harder.

The condition can affect one or both hips. Symptoms often vary with activity and may ease with rest, but persistent or worsening discomfort deserves a clinical assessment.

Hip osteoarthritis commonly presents with hip pain and stiffness, particularly after sitting, on first moving, or during weight-bearing activity. Groin discomfort is a frequent clue because the hip joint lies deep in that region. Some people develop pain down the thigh or start limping to reduce pressure on the sore side; see [Limping](/symptoms/limping/) and [Thigh Pain](/symptoms/thigh-pain/) for related symptom information.

Reduced hip rotation can make it difficult to put on socks, get into a car, or turn in bed. Pain that is severe at rest, follows a significant injury, or is accompanied by fever needs prompt medical attention.

Hip osteoarthritis develops when joint tissues change and the cartilage covering the bone ends loses its smooth, cushioning quality. Age-related tissue changes can contribute, while previous injury, repeated loading, or an altered hip shape can change how force travels through the joint.

Other hip conditions may contribute to later joint wear. These include hip dysplasia, hip impingement, Perthes disease, or avascular necrosis of the hip. These conditions are different diagnoses, so a clinician uses the history, examination, and imaging pattern to distinguish them.

Symptoms may begin as discomfort after longer walks and gradually become more noticeable during everyday movements. Stiffness can limit hip rotation before pain becomes constant. The pace is different for each person: some remain active with adjustments, while others need more support as movement becomes restricted.

A treatment plan is reviewed when pain, sleep, walking distance, or self-care changes. A flare after extra activity does not by itself show that the joint has suddenly deteriorated.

Risk can be influenced by increasing age, a previous hip injury or operation, inherited joint features, and conditions that alter hip shape or blood supply. Higher mechanical load on the joint may also add strain. These factors do not determine whether a person will develop symptoms, and people without obvious risk factors can still have hip osteoarthritis.

A clinician asks where the pain is, when it occurs, and which activities are limited. They assess walking, hip movement, strength, and tenderness, and may compare both sides. An X-ray can show changes in joint space and bone shape; further imaging is considered when another condition or soft-tissue problem needs assessment.

The examination matters because hip pain can overlap with problems in the lower back, pelvis, or knee. Diagnosis combines the symptom pattern with physical findings rather than relying on an image alone.

Treatment aims to reduce pain, preserve movement, and support useful activity. Physiotherapy can address hip strength, flexibility, walking mechanics, and movement habits; [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) and [Exercise Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/exercise-therapy/) explain these approaches.

A clinician may discuss activity changes, weight management where appropriate, pain medicines, or a [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/). If symptoms continue to limit daily life despite non-surgical care, hip resurfacing or [Total Hip Replacement](/treatments/joint-replacement/total-hip-replacement/) may be considered after an individual assessment.

Choose manageable activity and increase it gradually. Shorter walks, cycling, water exercise, supportive footwear, and pacing may make movement easier. Alternate demanding tasks with recovery time, and use a walking aid only after a clinician checks its height and technique.

Pain and stiffness can lead to less activity, loss of strength, poorer balance, and difficulty with work or self-care. A persistent limp may place extra demand on the back or the other leg. Early assessment helps identify treatable contributors and plan support before movement becomes more restricted.

Not every case can be prevented, but regular strength and mobility work, sensible progression of activity, and prompt care after hip injuries can help protect function. Managing conditions that affect hip structure or blood supply is also useful. Keep activity varied and avoid repeatedly pushing through sharp or escalating pain.

Arrange an orthopaedic or physiotherapy assessment when hip pain persists, limits walking or sleep, or changes how you manage daily tasks. Seek urgent care for severe pain after an injury, inability to bear weight, fever with a hot swollen joint, or sudden new weakness. Bring a list of medicines and note which movements trigger symptoms.