Hip Arthritis

What is Hip Arthritis?

Hip arthritis is the progressive breakdown of the cartilage that lines the hip joint. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint — the ball is the head of the femur (thigh bone) and the socket is the acetabulum, a cup-shaped cavity in the pelvis. Smooth articular cartilage normally allows these surfaces to glide painlessly. In arthritis, this cartilage gradually wears away, leading to bone-on-bone contact, pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility that tends to worsen over time.

Hip arthritis is a common cause of pain and disability, particularly with increasing age, though it can also affect younger people, especially where there is an underlying structural problem in the hip.

Causes and Types

The most common form is osteoarthritis, the gradual wear-related loss of cartilage. Other forms and contributing factors include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis — an inflammatory autoimmune condition affecting the joint lining.
• Post-traumatic arthritis — following a fracture or injury to the hip.
• Secondary arthritis — arising from underlying conditions such as hip dysplasia, femoroacetabular impingement, or avascular necrosis.

Risk factors include increasing age, family history, previous hip injury or surgery, being overweight, and structural abnormalities of the hip present from earlier in life.

Symptoms

• Pain, typically felt in the groin, but sometimes in the thigh, buttock, or radiating towards the knee
• Stiffness, particularly first thing in the morning or after sitting
• Pain that worsens with activity and may eventually occur at rest or at night
• Reduced range of motion — difficulty with tasks such as putting on shoes and socks
• A limp, or difficulty walking distances
• A grinding or catching sensation in the joint

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on your history and a clinical examination assessing hip movement and gait, supported by imaging. Weight-bearing X-rays are the main investigation and show joint space narrowing, bone spurs (osteophytes), and the overall pattern of arthritis. Further imaging such as MRI may be used in selected cases, particularly to assess for underlying structural problems or in earlier disease.

Treatment Options

Treatment is guided by the severity of symptoms, the degree of joint damage, and your individual goals, generally beginning with non-surgical measures.

Non-surgical options

• Activity modification and load management
• Weight management to reduce stress on the joint
• Physiotherapy and targeted strengthening
• Anti-inflammatory and other pain-relieving medications
• Walking aids where appropriate
• Injections in selected cases

Surgical options

When arthritis is advanced and conservative treatment no longer provides adequate relief, hip replacement is a highly effective and well-established option for relieving pain and restoring function. In younger patients, or where there is an underlying structural problem, joint preservation options may be considered where appropriate. The most suitable option will be discussed with you at your consultation.

Recovery and Outlook

Many people manage hip arthritis effectively for years with non-surgical measures. Where hip replacement becomes necessary, it is one of the most successful operations in orthopaedics for relieving pain and restoring mobility. Recovery depends on the specific treatment undertaken and will be explained in detail according to your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is hip arthritis pain usually felt?

Hip arthritis pain is most commonly felt in the groin, but it can also be felt in the thigh, buttock, or radiate towards the knee. Pain that seems to be in the knee but originates from the hip is not uncommon, which is why careful assessment is important.

Do I need a hip replacement?

Not necessarily. Many patients are managed successfully without surgery. Hip replacement is usually considered for advanced arthritis causing significant pain and disability that has not responded to conservative treatment. The decision is based on your symptoms, imaging, and goals rather than age alone.

Is exercise safe with hip arthritis?

Yes. Appropriate low-impact exercise such as walking, swimming, and cycling helps maintain strength and mobility without overloading the joint. A physiotherapist can guide a programme suited to your circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended as general patient education and does not constitute medical advice. Every patient is different, and treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your individual circumstances, health history, and imaging. Outcomes from treatment vary between patients and cannot be guaranteed. If you have concerns about your hip health, please contact Dr Slattery’s rooms to arrange a consultation.