Medically Reviewed by Dr Wang Lushun
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Ortho), FRCS (Ortho) (Edinburgh)
Hip osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of persistent hip pain, particularly as people get older. It develops gradually and may begin with mild stiffness or discomfort before progressively affecting everyday activities.
Although hip osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, surgery is not always the first treatment that needs to be considered. If there is no extensive joint damage or major impact in one's quality of life yet, it is generally possible to manage one's symptoms with non-surgical care.
A hip specialist can assess the severity of your condition and recommend a personalised treatment plan based on your symptoms, lifestyle and the health of your hip joint. Whether treatment involves conservative measures or surgery, early assessment can help you make informed decisions and remain active for longer.
Hip osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition in which the cartilage covering the surfaces of the hip joint gradually wears away over time. As this protective cartilage becomes thinner, the bones move less smoothly against one another, leading to increased friction within the joint. Over time, changes in the surrounding bone and joint tissues may also contribute to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing hip osteoarthritis, including:
Unlike muscle strains or tendon injuries, which often improve within weeks, hip osteoarthritis is a long-term condition that requires ongoing management. Although the underlying joint changes cannot be reversed, symptoms can often be managed with early and targeted intervention.
The symptoms of hip osteoarthritis often develop gradually and may be mild at first. Many people initially attribute them to ageing, overuse or a minor muscle strain, only seeking medical attention when the discomfort begins to interfere with daily activities.
Common symptoms include:
This is the most common symptom of hip osteoarthritis, although pain may also spread to the buttock, thigh or even the knee.
The hip may feel stiff after waking up, sitting for prolonged periods or remaining inactive.
Everyday movements such as bending down, crossing your legs or putting on shoes and socks may become more difficult.
Walking, climbing stairs or standing for long periods may worsen symptoms, while resting often provides temporary relief.
Some people notice grinding, clicking or catching sensations when moving the hip as the joint surfaces become less smooth.
Symptoms often worsen gradually over time, although periods of increased pain, known as flare-ups, may occur between more stable periods.
Occasional hip discomfort after strenuous activity is not uncommon and does not necessarily indicate osteoarthritis. However, persistent or worsening symptoms should be assessed, particularly if they begin to affect your mobility, independence or quality of life. Early assessment can help confirm the cause of your symptoms and identify appropriate treatment before the condition progresses further.
You should consider seeing a hip specialist if:
A comprehensive assessment helps distinguish hip osteoarthritis from other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, ensuring you receive the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
Diagnosing hip osteoarthritis involves checking your symptoms, medical history and physical examination findings alongside imaging studies to determine the cause and severity of the condition.
The assessment may include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, when they started, how they affect your daily activities and whether you have had previous hip injuries or other medical conditions that may contribute to joint problems.
This includes assessing your walking pattern, hip range of movement, joint stiffness and the location of your pain. Specific movements may also be performed to identify whether your symptoms originate from the hip joint.
X-rays are commonly used to assess changes associated with hip osteoarthritis, such as joint space narrowing or bone spurs. An MRI scan may be recommended if further evaluation is needed or if another condition is suspected.
Treatment for hip osteoarthritis is tailored to your symptoms, functional needs and the extent to which the condition affects your daily life. Surgery is considered only when the degree of joint damage has become too serious and conservative measures no longer provide sufficient relief.
Depending on your condition, your hip specialist may recommend one or more of the following:
A structured physiotherapy programme can strengthen the muscles around the hip, improve joint stability and maintain flexibility. It may also help reduce pain and improve everyday function.
Pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended to help manage symptoms, particularly during flare-ups. These are typically used alongside other treatments rather than as a long-term solution on their own.
For people who are overweight, reducing excess body weight can lessen the load placed on the hip joint, helping to improve symptoms and mobility.
Adjusting activities that consistently aggravate your symptoms can help reduce discomfort while allowing you to remain active. Your hip specialist may also recommend alternative forms of exercise that place less stress on the joint.
Surgery may be recommended when hip osteoarthritis causes persistent pain and stiffness that continue to affect your mobility, daily activities or quality of life despite appropriate non-surgical treatment. The most suitable procedure will depend on the extent of joint damage, your symptoms, age, activity level and overall health.
For advanced hip osteoarthritis, hip replacement surgery is often the most effective treatment for relieving pain and restoring function. The damaged surfaces of the hip joint are replaced with artificial components designed to improve movement and reduce discomfort. Your hip specialist will discuss the most appropriate surgical approach and implant options based on your individual needs.
Where appropriate, minimally invasive techniques, such as the direct anterior approach , may be considered. These muscle-sparing approaches aim to minimise disruption to surrounding tissues and may support a more comfortable recovery for selected patients. Suitability depends on individual factors and will be assessed by your doctor.
At Arete Orthopaedic Centre, treatment for hip osteoarthritis is tailored to your symptoms, activity level and long-term functional goals. Dr Wang Lushun has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating hip osteoarthritis, including hip replacement surgery (both the direct superior and direct anterior approaches). If you are experiencing persistent hip pain or would like to better understand your options, arrange a consultation for a comprehensive assessment and personalised treatment plan.
Yes. Hip osteoarthritis may affect one or both hips, although it is common for one side to become symptomatic before the other. If both hips are affected, the severity of symptoms may still differ between each side.
Yes. Pain from the hip joint can sometimes be felt in the thigh or knee, a phenomenon known as referred pain. This is why persistent knee pain may occasionally originate from the hip rather than the knee itself.
No. Hip osteoarthritis involves the gradual wear of joint cartilage, whereas osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become less dense and more prone to fractures. Although both become more common with age, they are different conditions requiring different treatments.
Not necessarily. Many people manage hip osteoarthritis successfully with non-surgical treatment. Hip replacement is typically considered only when persistent pain and reduced mobility continue to affect your quality of life despite appropriate conservative treatment.
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edin), MMed (Ortho), FRCS (Ortho) (Edin)
With over 20 years of experience, Dr Wang Lushun is an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in treating a wide range of sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. He has in-depth experience in minimally invasive surgery and advanced robotic surgery. Dr Wang provides orthopaedic care to athletes and everyday individuals throughout their journey to recovery.
