Hip Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)

A progressive degenerative condition where the smooth protective cartilage lining the hip's ball-and-socket joint wears away, leading to friction, inflammation, and bone-on-bone contact.

Symptoms

• Deep aching pain in the groin, thigh, or buttock
• Joint stiffness, especially after waking or sitting
• Grinding sensation (crepitus) or joint locking
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or putting on shoes

Causes

Gradual wear-and-tear over time, prior hip injuries, structural joint abnormalities (such as hip impingement), or genetic joint misalignment.

Risk Factors

• Age (50 and older)
• Excess body weight placing stress on joints
• Family history of joint disease
• Repetitive high-impact sports or heavy physical labor

Diagnosis

A comprehensive physical evaluation, range-of-motion testing, and weight-bearing X-rays or MRI to assess cartilage loss and bone spur formation.

Treatment

• Non-Surgical: Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, targeted corticosteroid injections, and activity modification.
• Surgical: Minimally invasive total hip replacement or joint preservation surgery when conservative methods no longer provide relief.