Osteoarthritis of the hip

This information may be useful if you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the hip. If you have new or ongoing symptoms, you should see a doctor for advice.

Read about advice on dealing with a hip problem

Osteoarthritis is a common condition, and it can affect any joint in the body. When a joint develops osteoarthritis, part of the cartilage thins and the surface becomes rougher (this is sometimes called wear and tear). The joint then doesn't move as smoothly as it should.

Doctors don't know the exact cause of osteoarthritis of the hip. It's likely that several things work together to bring it on.

Your chances of developing osteoarthritis in the hip can go up because of:

• normal age related changes
• a previous injury to the area
• repetitive activities and physical jobs
• inheriting certain genetics from your parents
• being overweight

Osteoarthritis of the hip affects people in different ways. You may have some of the symptoms below, or all of them.

• pain in or around the hip joint, the groin, the buttock or the front of the thigh, which can get worse when you move or do activities
• stiffness in the hip, often in the morning or after you've been resting
• locking, sticking or grinding of the hip
• weakness in the buttock muscles
• difficulty with daily activities such as walking, going up or down stairs, getting up from a chair or getting out of a car

To diagnose osteoarthritis of the hip, you'll need to be assessed by a doctor or another trained health worker. They will begin by asking you about the problem with your hip, and then examine you. This includes checking how well you can move the hip and how strong it is.

An x-ray of the hip is sometimes used to help reach a diagnosis. You may also need a further examination to rule out other health conditions.

There's no cure for osteoarthritis of the hip, but you can often manage the symptoms well by making a few changes.

How severe it is varies from person to person. Some people have clear changes on an x-ray but only mild symptoms, and others have severe symptoms with little physical change.

Whichever group you fall into, and for those in between, treatment starts the same way. Keeping the joint mobile is the best way to manage your symptoms.

You can manage your symptoms by:

• pacing your activities throughout the day
• adapting activities that increase your pain or that you find difficult
• avoiding low seating if possible
• wearing supportive footwear with cushioned soles and avoiding high heels
• avoiding sitting in one position for long periods

Strengthening the muscles around your hip will help manage your symptoms.

Read more about exercises for osteoarthritis of the hip

Low seating often makes hip pain worse when you have osteoarthritis of the hip. Many people find it hard to get on and off a sofa or toilet, or in and out of bed or a car.

Where you can, try raising the height of your seating. Cushions will do it, or you can buy products made to raise any kind of seat.

When you climb stairs, use a handrail until your muscles get stronger. Going upstairs, lead with the unaffected leg. Going downstairs, lead with the affected leg.

A walking stick may help with osteoarthritis of the hip. If you use one, hold it on the opposite side from your affected leg. If you think a walking aid would help you, talk to your doctor for advice.

Pain medicine can help you move about more comfortably, and that in turn can help your recovery.

Surgery may be needed in some cases of osteoarthritis of the hip, but only when all the other treatment options have been tried.

If you're waiting for surgery, keep your hip moving. Use the management advice given earlier, because this will help your recovery afterwards.

With osteoarthritis of the hip, you may sometimes need to take some time off work so you can recover. How long you stay off depends on your condition and on the kind of work you do.

You don't have to be free of symptoms before you think about going back. Carrying on with work, or returning as soon as you're able to, will help your recovery.

Getting back to your normal daily activities step by step can build up your strength and stamina.

If you follow this advice for osteoarthritis of the hip, you should see gradual improvements over time.

Talk to a doctor if:

• your symptoms haven't improved within 6 weeks of following this advice
• your symptoms get worse

Find out about access to MSK services in your area.

With any health condition, it's important to look after your mental wellbeing too, because it can affect your recovery.

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