Hip Osteoarthritis
Understanding the wear-and-tear changes that can affect your hip joint over time
Hip osteoarthritis is a common condition that occurs when the protective cartilage covering the surfaces of the hip joint gradually wears away. As the cartilage thins and becomes rough, the bones of the hip joint may begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and difficulty with everyday activities such as walking, standing, or putting on shoes.
This condition often develops slowly over time and is most common in people over the age of 50, though it can also affect younger individuals, especially if there’s a history of hip injury, structural abnormalities, or increased joint stress from work or sport.
Hip osteoarthritis may start with mild discomfort but can progress to more persistent pain and functional limitations that interfere with your quality of life. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, a range of non-surgical and surgical treatment options may help relieve symptoms, improve mobility, and support long-term joint health.
This page provides practical, information to help you understand what hip osteoarthritis is, how it’s diagnosed, and what treatment pathways may be available depending on the severity of your condition.
Around 2.1 million Australians (1 in 11 people) have osteoarthritis, with a 58% increase expected by 2032 due to population ageing and rising obesity rates
What is Hip Osteoarthritis?
Hip osteoarthritis is a common condition that occurs when the protective cartilage that lines the surfaces of the hip joint begins to wear down over time. This cartilage normally allows smooth, pain-free movement. As it gradually breaks down, the bones in the joint may rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, inflammation, and reduced mobility.
Osteoarthritis of the hip tends to develop slowly and can affect one or both hips. While it is more common in people over the age of 50, it can also occur in younger individuals, particularly if there has been previous injury, joint abnormality, or a family history of arthritis.
Common Symptoms of Hip Osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis can cause a range of symptoms that may worsen over time. These may include:
- Pain in the hip joint, groin, buttock, or thigh
- Stiffness, especially after periods of rest or first thing in the morning
- Difficulty walking, bending, or getting up from a chair
- Reduced range of motion
- A feeling of grinding, catching, or clicking in the hip
- Limping or favouring one side when walking
- Difficulty with everyday activities such as putting on shoes or getting in and out of a car
Symptoms may initially come and go but often become more persistent as the condition progresses.
What Causes Hip Osteoarthritis?
Hip osteoarthritis can cause a range of symptoms that may worsen over time. These may include:
- Age-related wear and tear: The most common cause
- Previous hip injury or trauma
- Developmental hip conditions (such as hip dysplasia)
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
- Family history of osteoarthritis
- Being overweight or having increased joint load
- Repetitive overuse in sport or occupation
Understanding the underlying cause of your hip symptoms is an important part of planning appropriate treatment.
How is Hip Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?
A diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis usually involves a detailed clinical assessment and imaging. Dr Jason Hockings will begin by reviewing your symptoms and medical history, followed by a physical examination to assess hip movement, stability, and pain.
Imaging tests may include:
- X-rays to check for joint space narrowing, bone spurs (osteophytes), and other arthritic changes
- MRI scans if soft tissue structures such as the labrum or cartilage need further evaluation
These investigations help confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment options.
Non-Surgical Hip OA Treatment Options
In the early stages of osteoarthritis, symptoms may be managed effectively with non-surgical strategies.
These may include:
- Physiotherapy to maintain hip strength and mobility
- Activity modification to reduce joint stress
- Pain relief medications, such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medications (as appropriate)
- Weight management to reduce load on the hip
- Walking aids such as a cane, if required
- Joint injections, including corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation), in selected cases
Dr Hockings will work closely with you to determine whether these options are suitable and provide relief.
When Might Surgery be Considered?
Surgical treatment may be recommended when hip osteoarthritis significantly affects your quality of life and no longer responds to non-surgical treatments.
Common signs that surgery may be appropriate include:
- Persistent hip pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities
- Difficulty walking short distances or standing for prolonged periods
- Limited mobility despite physiotherapy and medication
- Poor response to joint injections or other conservative treatments
Dr Hockings will discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals before recommending any surgical approach.
Surgical Treatment: Total Hip Replacement
For patients with advanced osteoarthritis, total hip replacement surgery (hip arthroplasty) is often the most effective treatment. This procedure involves removing the damaged cartilage and bone from the hip joint and replacing it with a prosthetic implant designed to restore mobility and relieve pain.
Dr Jason Hockings performs total hip replacement using a range of modern techniques, including:
- Anterior approach hip replacement for less muscle disruption and potentially faster recovery
- Bikini incision total hip replacement, offering a cosmetically favourable incision for some patients
- Patient-specific hip replacement, using pre-operative planning tailored to your anatomy
- Bilateral hip replacement for patients with severe arthritis in both hips
- Hip resurfacing in select younger patients with good bone quality
Dr Hockings will discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals before recommending any surgical approach.
If you’re living with hip pain or stiffness that’s affecting your quality of life, a thorough assessment can help determine the cause and guide the right treatment path.
