Hip osteoarthritis is a condition where the smooth cartilage that lines the ball and socket of the hip joint gradually wears away. As the cartilage becomes thinner or damaged, the bones can rub together, leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty with movement. This can affect day-to-day activities such as walking, standing for prolonged periods, or climbing stairs.

Although hip osteoarthritis is more common with age, it can also affect younger adults, particularly those who have suffered previous hip injuries, structural abnormalities such as hip dysplasia, or those exposed to repetitive strain from sports or physical occupations. These factors can accelerate wear on the joint, causing symptoms to appear earlier in life.

Patients often describe pain deep in the groin, thigh, or buttock, which may worsen with activity or after prolonged sitting. Stiffness, especially in the morning or after resting, is also common, along with difficulty performing simple tasks such as putting on shoes or getting in and out of a car. As the condition progresses, some people develop a limp or struggle to walk longer distances.

Treatment for hip osteoarthritis focuses on relieving pain, improving joint function, and preserving mobility. In the early stages, non-surgical approaches can be effective. These may include physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles supporting the hip, activity modification to reduce stress on the joint, and anti-inflammatory medications to help manage pain and swelling. Injections into the hip joint, such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid, can also provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation, helping some patients to delay or avoid surgery.

When non-surgical treatments are no longer sufficient and hip arthritis begins to have a significant impact on daily life, hip replacement surgery may be recommended. This involves replacing the damaged joint surfaces with artificial components, effectively eliminating the painful bone-on-bone contact. Hip replacement is a well-established and highly successful procedure that offers excellent pain relief and restores mobility for most patients. With modern surgical techniques and implants, even younger, active patients can expect to return to a good level of activity following surgery.

Every patient’s treatment is tailored to their symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. As an orthopaedic surgeon, I will discuss the most suitable options for your individual case, ensuring you understand both non-surgical and surgical treatments and what to expect from each.