12 August 26
Hip arthritis does not always begin with severe pain. For many people, it starts gradually as mild stiffness, discomfort after activity or difficulty completing movements that were previously easy. Recognising the possible signs and arranging an assessment can help patients understand what is causing their symptoms and explore suitable treatment options…
Where Is Hip Arthritis Pain Usually Felt?
Hip arthritis commonly causes discomfort in the groin, but pain may also be felt in the thigh, buttock or even around the knee. Some people notice stiffness when they first get up in the morning or after sitting for an extended period.
As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:
Pain while walking or climbing stairs
Reduced movement in the hip
Difficulty bending to put on shoes or socks
A limp or change in walking pattern
Pain after prolonged activity
Discomfort while resting or sleeping
Hip osteoarthritis symptoms commonly develop slowly and may become more frequent over time.
Why Does Hip Arthritis Develop?
Osteoarthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage covering the joint surfaces becomes worn or damaged. This can make movement less comfortable and may gradually reduce the joint’s range of motion.
Age-related wear is one possible factor, but previous injuries, joint shape, activity history and other medical conditions may also influence hip health. A professional assessment is needed to determine whether arthritis or another condition is causing the pain.
How Is Hip Arthritis Assessed?
A hip arthritis specialist will normally begin by discussing your symptoms, general health, previous injuries and how the discomfort affects your daily life.
The examination may include assessing:
Hip movement and flexibility
Tenderness around the joint
Walking pattern and balance
Pain during specific movements
Strength in the surrounding muscles
X-rays are commonly used to assess the space within the joint and look for arthritic changes. MRI or CT imaging may occasionally be considered when more information about the bone or surrounding tissues is required.
Does Hip Arthritis Always Require Surgery?
Being diagnosed with hip arthritis does not automatically mean that hip replacement surgery is necessary.
Early treatment is often non-surgical and may include activity modification, physiotherapy, lower-impact exercise, weight management or appropriate pain management. Treatment should be personalised according to the severity of the condition, the patient’s general health and how much the symptoms are affecting normal activities.
Surgery may be discussed when pain and reduced mobility are having a significant effect on quality of life and appropriate non-surgical treatments are no longer providing sufficient relief.
When Should You See a Hip Arthritis Specialist?
Consider arranging an assessment when hip discomfort:
Persists or continues to worsen
Causes you to limp
Interrupts sleep
Makes walking or climbing stairs difficult
Limits work, exercise or everyday activities
Has not improved with appropriate initial care
Dr Rael Salkinder is an orthopaedic surgeon in Cape Town with a special interest in hip and knee conditions. A consultation can help establish the cause of your symptoms and identify an appropriate treatment pathway.
How we can help you:
Hip Pain & Treatment
Hip Replacement Surgery
About Dr Salkinder
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