Hip Osteoarthritis
A condition in which the tissues within the hip joint change over time. It may cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty with everyday movement.
On this page
See a doctor now if you have:
- Sudden severe pain
- Inability to bear weight
- Fever with joint pain
- Numbness
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Recent trauma
Hip osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage lining the joint gradually changes and thins over time, and the surrounding bone and tissue respond to that change. It’s one of the most common reasons people over 50 ask us about hip discomfort.
Common symptoms
- Pain in the groin, outer hip, or thigh that tends to build with activity
- Stiffness, particularly after rest or first thing in the morning, that eases somewhat with movement
- A gradual reduction in how far the hip moves comfortably
- Discomfort that varies day to day rather than staying constant
What tends to influence it
Age, previous joint injury, family history, and load on the joint over time are all factors that research links to osteoarthritis, though it affects people differently and isn’t fully predictable from these factors alone.
What commonly helps people manage it
Many people find that a combination of appropriate activity, muscle strengthening around the hip, and weight management (where relevant) supports comfort and function. A physiotherapist can help tailor this to your situation — see our strength and balance page for general background.
Getting an assessment
Hip osteoarthritis is generally assessed clinically, sometimes alongside imaging. If your symptoms are persistent or affecting daily life, a conversation with a qualified clinician is a reasonable next step — see when hip pain should not be ignored.
One thing to do today
Pick one thing from this page and try it today — small and consistent beats occasional and intense.
Sources
- Placeholder — full citation pending clinical review — To be replaced with a peer-reviewed source before this page leaves draft status.
Related reading
Hip Anatomy Explained
A closer look at the bones, cartilage, muscles, and tendons that make up the hip joint, and how they work together.
Hip Bursitis
Irritation of one of the small, fluid-filled sacs that help reduce friction near the hip. Pain may be more noticeable when lying on the affected side.
Hip Fractures
A break in the upper part of the thigh bone, most often linked to a fall, that needs prompt medical attention — general education on what to know.
Hip Impingement (Femoroacetabular Impingement)
A pattern where the ball and socket of the hip don't glide past each other quite as smoothly as expected, which can cause pinching pain with certain movements.
Next step
Try tonight's 10-minute routine →