What Is Hip Arthritis?
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint lined with cartilage. As that cartilage wears, the joint can become painful and stiff. Symptoms may be felt in the groin, front of the thigh, buttock or sometimes even the knee.
Common Symptoms
- Groin or thigh pain with walking
- Stiffness when getting out of a chair or car
- Difficulty putting on shoes and socks
- Loss of hip rotation or stride length
- Pain that interferes with sleep or daily activity
How It Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on the pattern of pain, examination of hip motion and strength, and X-rays. Other causes of hip-area pain may need to be considered.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Treatment begins with the diagnosis, symptom severity and your goals. Options may include:
- Activity modification and low-impact exercise
- Physical therapy for strength, mobility and movement
- Medication when appropriate
- Selected injections
- Lifestyle and weight strategies when relevant
When Surgery May Be Considered
Total hip replacement may be considered when arthritis causes persistent pain and limitation despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment. The goal is to replace the damaged ball-and-socket surfaces and restore more comfortable movement.
This page provides general educational information. Symptoms can have more than one cause, and treatment recommendations should be based on an individual evaluation.