What Is Hip Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis / Arthritis is a degenerative condition – so sadly it gets worse over time.

It most often occurs as a result of overload in a weight bearing joint. The area around the hip joint and groin area can be the most painful – the outward symptom of the problem.

It can be very debilitating – with simple every-day activities hindered. It can restrict the range of motion, and cause stiffness throughout the hip, groin and even back or legs.Sadly, as the symptoms get worse over time, this can seriously affect the quality of life of the sufferer. Movement is restricted greatly.

It can manifest in two mainly different ways:

  • The Pain develops slowly and gets worse gradually over time
  • A sudden onset of Hip Pain that doesn’t subside and feels worse after activity

Aging and genetic factors are the most important things to consider when looking for the cause. This degeneration of the hip leads to loss of space within the joint, which initially is painless – can rapidly become painful and debilitating.

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Hip Pain Is Extremely Common

Hip Pain is one of the top contributors of disability around the world.

10% of people above 65 experience hip pain, and half of these cases are painful/symptomatic. In terms of pain, the hip is the second most affected joint (after the knee) by Osteoarthritis.

This is not surprising – these joints are doing a lot of weight-bearing work!

Hip Pain Exercise Booklet
Hip Pain - Information Booklet

Hip Pain Causes

  • Trauma or injury
  • Too much or sudden activity (over-use)
  • Being Inactive and having weak muscles around the hip
  • Being Overweight
  • Manual Jobs or Sports
  • Age
  • Gender (it affects more females than males!)
  • Menopause
  • Inflammatory Arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Genes
  • Metabolic diseases like diabetes
  • Diet – low Vitamin D, C and K levels

Signs & Symptoms Of Hip Pain

  • Pain getting worse over time
  • Pain that doesn’t subside even when resting
  • Pain from movement
  • Stiffness associated with cold weather
  • Pain might ease slightly when “warmed up” due to activity
  • Pain in groin or thigh, spreading to back, buttocks or knees
  • Constant pain, night pain – for end-stage
  • “Locking” or “Clicking” of hip movement
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Leg length differences

Frequently Asked Questions

What's The Main Cause Of Hip Pain?

Apart from injuries, too much activity on a weakened hip is usually the cause. Osteoarthritis also plays a role, as people age particularly. The Hip bears a lot of weight, so we often find people who are overweight are more prone to hip pain.

Where Does Hip Pain Occur?

Deep inside your hip, the pain can stem from the joint itself. This pain can also be felt in the groin, or the outside of the hip. Sometimes if your hip is weak or misaligned, this can cause knee pain or back pain too!

What's The Best Way To Relieve Hip Pain?

Acute hip pain can be relieved with pain-killers, but this is a temporary solution. After you get a diagnosis and under the guidance of your medical professional, your hip pain can benefit from a full treatment program:

  • Heat Therapy
  • Massage
  • Movement
  • Stretch Exercises
  • Strength Exercises
  • Cold Therapy
  • Bracing / Seat Posture Corrector
Can Young People Get Hip Pain?

Typically hip pain is felt in older people, but it certainly can occur in young people too. The reasons are often different – perhaps an acute injury, or posture alignment issue can very often cause hip pain in young people. Also, foot and knee issues can radiate up the leg and cause hip pain, particularly in people who are sporty/active.