Hip Arthritis

Overview

Hip arthritis means the hip joint is inflamed or damaged. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. Cartilage, the smooth cushion on the ends of the bones, can wear down or become inflamed. This can cause pain, stiffness, and trouble moving the hip. There are different types, including osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear damage) and inflammatory arthritis (caused by an overactive immune system).

Hip osteoarthritis is one of the more common causes of hip pain in adults, especially after age 50. Inflammatory types of hip arthritis are less common but can start at any age.

Anyone can get hip arthritis. Osteoarthritis becomes more common with age and is often seen in adults over 50. Inflammatory arthritis can affect younger adults and sometimes children. It affects people of all sexes and backgrounds.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain in the groin, outer hip, buttock, or thigh
• Stiffness, especially after rest or in the morning
• Pain when walking, climbing stairs, or standing up from a chair
• A limp or feeling that the hip cannot move smoothly
• Grinding, clicking, or catching feelings in the hip
• Trouble putting on socks and shoes or cutting toenails
• Pain that disturbs sleep or makes it hard to lie on that side

Symptoms in children

• A child with hip arthritis may limp, hold the leg stiffly, or complain of pain in the hip, thigh, or knee.
• A child who cannot walk, has a fever, or seems very unwell needs urgent medical care.
• Persistent limping or joint stiffness in a child should be checked by a clinician.

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain and stiffness may build up slowly over months or years.
• Walking shorter distances, getting up from low chairs, and managing stairs can become harder.
• Weak hip and leg muscles can increase the risk of falls.
• Symptoms may be worse on damp or cold days, though this varies from person to person.

Causes

Main causes

• Osteoarthritis: gradual wear and tear of the hip cartilage over time
• Inflammatory arthritis: conditions where the immune system attacks joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Previous hip injury or hip surgery
• Hip shape problems present from birth, such as hip dysplasia
• Joint infection or other rare joint conditions

Risk factors

• Older age
• Family history of hip arthritis
• Being overweight, which puts more load on the hip
• Previous hip injury or fracture
• Jobs or sports with heavy repetitive hip loading
• Weak hip and leg muscles
• Some inflammatory conditions that affect the whole body

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have hip pain with a fever or feel very unwell
• You suddenly cannot bear weight on the leg
• You have a fall or injury and the hip is very painful or swollen
• You have new numbness, weakness, or trouble passing urine or opening your bowels

Book a routine appointment if:

• Hip pain or stiffness lasts more than a few weeks
• Pain limits walking, work, sleep, or daily activities
• You need help with exercises, walking aids, or pain management
• You have had hip arthritis and your symptoms are changing

Diagnosis

A clinician will ask about your pain, stiffness, daily activities, and health history. They will examine your hip, check how you walk, and move your leg gently to see what is limited or painful. Often no complex tests are needed at first.

Tests that may be done

• X-ray to look at the hip joint and cartilage space
• Blood tests if an inflammatory type of arthritis is suspected
• MRI or ultrasound scan for a more detailed picture in some cases
• A small sample of joint fluid, taken with a needle, if infection is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

Most people start with a conversation and physical exam. If tests are needed, they are usually simple and quick. You may be referred to a physiotherapist or a specialist if your symptoms are severe or the cause is unclear.

Treatment

Treatment aims to reduce pain, keep you moving, and protect your hip function. Most people do not need surgery. A mix of exercise, weight support, activity changes, and pain relief advice helps many people. Your clinician will tailor a plan to your needs.

Self-care at home

• Stay active with gentle movement; rest alone can make stiffness worse
• Try low-impact exercise such as swimming, cycling, or walking on flat ground
• Use heat or cold packs for short periods if they help
• Keep to a healthy weight if this is relevant for you
• Use a walking stick or other aid if it helps you walk more comfortably
• Pace activities and break up tasks that strain the hip
• Ask about physiotherapy to strengthen hip and leg muscles

Medical treatments

Your clinician may suggest pain relief, joint injections, or medicines to control inflammation if you have an inflammatory type of arthritis. They will choose based on your health and discuss the benefits and risks with you. Physiotherapy and help from an occupational therapist can also be part of treatment.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be considered when pain and stiffness badly affect daily life, other treatments no longer help, or the hip joint is badly damaged. Hip replacement is a common operation for severe hip arthritis. Your surgical team will explain the risks, benefits, and what recovery involves.

Living with this condition

Hip arthritis can make everyday tasks harder, but small changes can help. Plan activities, use rails or aids if needed, and ask for help with tasks that strain the hip. Keep moving gently and build rest breaks into your day.

Lifestyle tips

• Choose low-impact activity you enjoy and can keep up
• Strengthen hip, thigh, and core muscles with a physiotherapist's advice
• Break up long sitting with short walks or gentle stretches
• Wear supportive, comfortable shoes
• Make your home safer to reduce falls, such as clearing clutter and using good lighting

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet supports general health and helps with weight management if needed. Exercise should be regular and gentle at first. Swimming, cycling, and strength exercises are often easier on the hip than running or jumping. A physiotherapist can help you find safe exercises.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Long-term pain can affect mood, sleep, and confidence. It is common to feel frustrated or low. Tell your clinician if you feel anxious or depressed. If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, contact your local emergency number or a crisis line in your country straight away.

Prevention

Hip arthritis cannot always be prevented, especially when it is caused by age or family history. But staying active, keeping muscles strong, managing weight, and avoiding hip injuries can help lower the risk or slow problems.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine that prevents hip arthritis.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for hip arthritis. See a clinician if hip pain or stiffness lasts more than a few weeks or limits your daily life.

Complications

If left untreated

• Pain and stiffness may get worse over time
• Walking and daily activities can become harder
• Muscles around the hip may weaken
• Sleep and mood can be affected by ongoing pain
• The risk of falls may rise, especially in older adults
• Some people may eventually need hip surgery

Long-term outlook

Most people with hip arthritis can manage their symptoms and stay active with the right support. Exercise, weight support, pain relief advice, and physiotherapy help many people. If the hip becomes badly damaged, surgery can be very effective for suitable people. Your clinician can help you make a plan that fits your life.

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