What is it?
Arthritis (inflammation and pain of a joint) is caused by damage to the cartilage covering the joint surfaces.
How is it caused?
It is often caused by age related wear and tear, but osteoarthritis can also be caused by abnormalities of the hip due to other conditions such as Poor blood supply to the cartilage (Avascular Necrosis), abnormally shaped joints (Hip Dysplasia), and Injuries to the joint (from Fractures, repetitive trauma or infection).
What are the symptoms?
- Pain: These include a dull ache in the hips, groin, buttocks, thighs and sometimes the knees. The pain may come and go or be constant. In some cases, pain may make it difficult to walk long distances without limping. Often the pain is worse after activity, and pain at night can disturb your sleep.
- Stiffness: Going upstairs and bending down to tie shoes or put socks on may also be more difficult.
How is it diagnosed?
After discussing your symptoms, the specialist will usually back up the diagnosis with X-rays and MRI or CT scans to show the extent of damage to the cartilage and to see if there is an underlying cause.
How is it treated?
- Non-operative treatment: this includes taking anti-inflammatory medication, if advised by your doctor, along with a rehabilitation programme of gentle exercises to improve your strength and range of movement. Weight loss, combined with using an exercise bike, can be very effective in the early stages. However, arthritis is a progressive condition that will become worse over time.
- Surgery: Hip replacement is the only treatment that can 'cure' hip arthritis but is only advised when pain is significantly affecting your everyday life.
Your Recovery, Week by Week
Weeks 1-2
Anti-inflammatory medication, if advised, and a structured exercise or physiotherapy programme typically begin around this stage.
By 12 Weeks
Many patients notice meaningful improvement in pain and mobility with a structured exercise programme over this period, though the pace of improvement varies from person to person.
Ongoing
Because hip arthritis is progressive, the benefits of exercise and weight management need to be maintained long-term, and symptoms can still gradually worsen over time even with consistent non-surgical treatment.
If Surgery Becomes Necessary
Hip replacement follows a well-established recovery pathway, typically walking with support within 1-2 days, most patients off crutches and confident to drive by around six weeks, and continued improvement for up to a year. See the Hip Replacement Surgery page for the full week-by-week timeline.
Here Are Some Examples of Hip Arthritis X-Rays
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Clinic Times
Mon
Nuffield Haywards Heath, 8:30-17:30
Tue
Spire Montefiore, Hove, 8:00-17:30
Fri
Nuffield Haywards Heath, 10:30-13:00