Do you have pain in your thigh or hip area that gets worse when you walk or climb stairs? Many people confuse hip joint pain with back or knee pain, because the pain travels to the side of the thigh — and this can delay the correct diagnosis for a long time. In this article, we explain hip osteoarthritis, its symptoms, and the available treatment options.
What is hip osteoarthritis?
Hip osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage that protects the hip joint gradually wears away over time, so bone begins to rub against bone instead of having a smooth layer of cartilage between them. The result is pain and stiffness that affect daily movement.
Symptoms
- Pain at the top of the thigh or in the groin area that increases with movement or weight-bearing
- Stiffness in the joint, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time
- Difficulty putting on shoes or getting out of the car
- A clicking or grinding sound when the joint moves
- Partial relief of pain with rest, and worsening with activity
Causes
Hip osteoarthritis usually develops as a result of ageing and the natural wear of cartilage over time, but there are factors that increase the likelihood, such as excess weight, previous injuries to the joint, certain congenital deformities in the shape of the hip joint, or excessive use of the joint over long periods (such as some sporting or occupational activities).
When to see a doctor
If the pain has started to affect your daily walking, or wakes you at night, or you regularly need painkillers to get through your day, this is the right time for a specialist consultation. Early diagnosis widens the range of non-surgical treatment options.
Treatment options
The good news is that not every case of hip osteoarthritis needs surgery. The treatment plan usually begins with simpler steps:
- Physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles around the joint and improve flexibility
- Losing excess weight to reduce the load on the joint
- Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication as determined by the doctor according to the case
- Joint injections in some moderate cases
- Surgery (such as hip replacement) as an option for advanced cases that significantly affect quality of life
The final decision is made by the orthopaedic consultant after the clinical examination and imaging.
How Town Hospital can help you
The orthopaedic team at Town Hospital assesses your condition carefully through clinical examination and the necessary imaging, and explains all the available treatment options to you before you reach the most suitable decision together — whether conservative treatment or surgical intervention if needed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between hip osteoarthritis and knee osteoarthritis?
Both are types of joint osteoarthritis, but each affects a different joint. Hip osteoarthritis causes pain in the thigh and groin area, while knee osteoarthritis causes pain around the knee itself.
Does hip osteoarthritis always require surgery?
No. The majority of mild and moderate cases improve with physiotherapy, weight loss, and anti-inflammatory painkillers. Surgery is an option for advanced cases only.
Does exercise harm a hip joint affected by osteoarthritis?
Low-impact activities such as swimming and light walking are usually beneficial, but it is best to consult your doctor or a physiotherapist to determine the activities suitable for your condition.
At what age do hip osteoarthritis symptoms usually begin?
They usually appear after the age of forty or fifty, but they can occur at younger ages if there are risk factors such as previous injuries or congenital deformities.
How do I book an appointment with an orthopaedic consultant at Town Hospital?
You can book by calling 15276, via WhatsApp, or through the booking page on our website.