Osteoarthritis of the Hip Book Now

Osteoarthritis of the Hip

Osteoarthritis of the hip is characterised by pain and stiffness. This makes everyday tasks—such as getting up from a chair, tying your shoes or walking short distances—more difficult.

Since osteoarthritis gradually progresses, early treatment can help minimise its impact on your daily life. Even though there is no cure, various treatment options are available to help manage discomfort and keep you active.

Symptoms

Pain is the primary symptom of hip osteoarthritis, which usually develops gradually but can sometimes appear suddenly. Over time, discomfort and stiffness worsen, often being more noticeable in the morning or after periods of rest. As the condition progresses, pain may become more frequent, even occurring at night or during inactivity.

Other possible symptoms are:

  • Groin or thigh pain radiating to the buttocks or knee (most common)
  • Pain flare-ups after vigorous activity
  • Hip stiffness that makes walking or bending difficult
  • Locking or sticking sensations in the joint, sometimes accompanied by a grinding noise (crepitus) due to loose cartilage or tissue
  • Reduced range of motion, leading to difficulty walking and limping
  • Increased joint pain in damp or rainy conditions

Causes of Hip Osteoarthritis

There is no single cause of osteoarthritis of the hip; even so, several factors can increase the likelihood of developing the condition:

  • Ageing
  • Family history of the condition
  • Past trauma or damage to the hip joint
  • Obesity
  • Developmental dysplasia of the hip – A condition present at birth where the hip joint is improperly formed.

However, even without any of these risk factors, you are still at risk of developing hip osteoarthritis.

Diagnosis

Osteoarthritis of the hip is usually diagnosed through:

Physical examination:

During a physical exam, your doctor will assess various signs of hip osteoarthritis, including:

  • Tenderness near the hip joint
  • Range of motion (both assisted and self-directed)
  • Crepitus (a grating feeling within the joint) during movement
  • Pain response when pressure is applied to the hip
  • Gait abnormalities, such as limping or difficulty walking
  • Signs of injury affecting the tendons, muscles, or ligaments near the hip

Imaging tests:

  • X-rays – These provide clear images of bones and can reveal joint space narrowing, bone changes plus the presence of bone spurs (osteophytes).
  • Other imaging tests – In some cases, an MRI or CT scan may be necessary to get a more detailed view of the hip bone and soft tissues.

Treatment Options for Hip Osteoarthritis

Whereas osteoarthritis of the hip has no cure, various treatments can help manage pain and enhance mobility.

Nonsurgical Treatments

Usually, early treatment focuses on non-invasive methods to reduce discomfort and slow disease progression. Your GP may recommend the following:

Lifestyle changes:

Making small adjustments to your daily routine can help protect the hip joint and slow down the progression of osteoarthritis. Some of these lifestyle changes include:

  • Reducing strain on your hip. Minimise activities that worsen the condition like frequent stair climbing.
  • Choosing low-impact exercises. Swap high-impact activities such as jogging or tennis for gentler options like cycling or swimming, which reduce hip joint stress.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight. Cutting excess weight can significantly reduce pressure on the hip joint, easing pain and improving mobility.

Physical therapy:

Target exercises can help improve flexibility, increase range of motion, and strengthen hip and leg muscles. Your GP or physical therapist can recommend a customised exercise program that aligns with your requirements and lifestyle.

Assistive devices:

Walking aids such as crutches, canes, or walkers help enhance movement and independence. Moreover, adaptive tools (like long-handled reachers) can be helpful in retrieving items from the floor or low shelves. Hence, this reduces the need for movements that may trigger pain.

Medications:

If your pain interferes with your daily activities or does not improve with other conservative treatments, your GP may incorporate medication into your treatment plan.

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – A non-prescription pain reliever for mild arthritis pain
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – Options like ibuprofen and naproxen help ease pain and minimise inflammation
  • Corticosteroids – Potent anti-inflammatory medications taken orally or injected into the joint for pain relief

Surgical Treatment

If nonsurgical treatments fail to provide relief and arthritis significantly affects daily life, surgery may be an option. These can include:

  • Total hip replacement: The damaged hip joint (acetabulum and femoral head) is removed and replaced with plastic, metal, or ceramic components to reinstate function.
  • Hip resurfacing: The damaged bone and cartilage in the hip socket are taken out and replaced with a metal shell, while the femoral head is preserved and capped using a smooth metal cover.
  • Osteotomy (rare): The head of the thighbone or hip socket is realigned in order to relieve joint pressure.

Bottom Line

Osteoarthritis of the hip is a progressive condition; but this doesn’t have to limit your lifestyle. With proper management, you can reduce pain, improve mobility, and continue carrying out your daily activities.

Taking action early can make a significant difference in your long-term joint health. Book an appointment right now to discuss the best treatment options for you.