Summary

Hip osteoarthritis is a common joint condition that develops when the cartilage within the hip joint gradually wears down. Pain, hip stiffness and reduced mobility can affect walking, standing, and getting in and out of chairs. Versus Arthritis UK reports an estimated 3.2 million people in the UK have hip osteoarthritis¹.

While hip osteoarthritis is a long-term condition, you can manage symptoms with physiotherapy and pain-relieving treatments. The White House Clinic provides expert care for hip pain in Doncaster, Chesterfield, and Sheffield, and across our 14 locations in South Yorkshire, North East Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire.

An overview of hip osteoarthritis

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint which is formed by the top of the femur and the socket of the pelvis. In a healthy joint, smooth cartilage covers the surfaces of the bones, allowing the hip to move freely and absorb load.

Hip osteoarthritis develops when this cartilage becomes thinner and less effective. As the joint surfaces become less smooth, movement can feel stiff or painful. Hip osteoarthritis progresses gradually. It commonly occurs with age, but previous injury and activity levels can also contribute.

Hip osteoarthritis symptoms

Hip osteoarthritis can present differently. Symptoms often fluctuate, with periods of increased discomfort followed by times when pain is more manageable. Common symptoms include:

• Pain in or around the hip, groin, thigh or buttock
• Hip stiffness, particularly after rest or first thing in the morning
• Reduced range in the hip joint
• Pain that worsens when walking or standing
• Difficulty with daily activities, including putting on shoes or climbing stairs

Causes of hip osteoarthritis

Age-related changes, previous injury, repetitive activities, physical jobs, smoking and being overweight can cause hip osteoarthritis.

When to see someone for hip osteoarthritis

Staying active and strengthening the muscles around the joint can help manage hip osteoarthritis symptoms. However, if hip pain or stiffness is affecting your ability to move comfortably or participate in daily activities, it is worth consulting a professional.

At the White House Clinic, you can book a physiotherapy appointment without a referral. We understand the frustrations that come with hip pain and can help you put an effective management plan in place.

What to do if you have hip osteoarthritis

Staying active is essential for managing hip osteoarthritis. Avoiding movement altogether can increase stiffness and weakness around the joint.

Structured exercise programmes, including physiotherapy-led strengthening and mobility work, can help support the problem joint and reduce pain. Some people also find activities such as Pilates and yoga helpful for gently improving flexibility and strength.

Treatment for hip osteoarthritis

Treatment for hip osteoarthritis includes physiotherapy, exercise, injections, and shockwave therapy.

Physiotherapy for hip osteoarthritis

Physiotherapy is key to managing hip osteoarthritis. A physiotherapist will assess your movement, strength and functional limitations. They may also make further assessments using ultrasound. With the results, they’ll design a personalised rehabilitation programme. Treatment aims to improve joint mobility, strengthen supporting muscles and reduce strain on the hip.

Exercise

Targeted exercise is essential for joint health. Strengthening muscles around the hip can reduce joint load and improve stability. Exercise programmes are tailored to your ability and progressed gradually to support long-term improvement. With your physiotherapist, discuss how walking, Pilates, yoga, swimming and cycling can help your condition.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy may be used in some cases to address surrounding soft-tissue pain and improve movement tolerance as part of a wider physiotherapy programme.

Who is affected by hip osteoarthritis?

Approximately 11 out of 100 people aged 45 and over in England have hip osteoarthritis. It’s more prevalent in women, smokers and those who have close relatives with the condition².

Reducing the risk of hip osteoarthritis worsening

While you can’t reverse hip osteoarthritis, you can slow progression and prevent it from getting worse. You should stay as active as possible and follow an appropriate exercise plan to maintain hip strength and mobility.

References

• NHS
• NICE

¹ https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/osteoarthritis/background-informaageing; howeverge-relatedtion/prevalenceyou /
‍² https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Making-a-decision-about-hip-osteoarthritis.pdf