What is hip arthritis?

Hip arthritis occurs when cartilage and other structures within the hip joint become damaged or inflamed, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of hip arthritis and typically develops as the cartilage cushioning the joint gradually deteriorates.

What are the most common symptoms of hip arthritis?

Common symptoms include pain in the hip or groin, stiffness, decreased range of motion, and discomfort when walking, standing, or climbing stairs. Some people experience pain that extends into the thigh, buttock, or knee. As hip arthritis progresses, pain may also occur while resting or sleeping.

Where is hip arthritis pain usually felt?

Hip arthritis pain is commonly felt in the groin or front of the hip, although it can also occur in the thigh, buttock, or outer hip. In some patients, pain may radiate toward the knee. Because several conditions can cause pain in these areas, an orthopedic evaluation can help determine whether arthritis is the source.

What is the difference between hip arthritis and hip osteoarthritis?

Hip arthritis is a broad term for conditions that cause inflammation or deterioration of the hip joint. Hip osteoarthritis is the most common type and involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage within the joint. Other types include rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis.

How is hip arthritis diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically begins with a review of your symptoms and medical history followed by a physical examination of the hip's strength, movement, and function. X-rays are commonly used to evaluate changes within the joint, and additional imaging or testing may be recommended when necessary.

Can hip arthritis be treated without surgery?

Yes. Many people with hip arthritis can manage their symptoms with nonsurgical treatments. Depending on your condition, treatment may include activity modification, physical therapy, appropriate exercise, medications, assistive devices, weight management when appropriate, or corticosteroid injections. Your orthopedic specialist can recommend treatment based on the severity of your arthritis and your individual needs.

When does hip arthritis require hip replacement?

Not everyone with hip arthritis will need a hip replacement. Surgery may be considered when arthritis causes significant pain, stiffness, or loss of mobility that interferes with everyday activities and nonsurgical treatments no longer provide adequate relief. An orthopedic surgeon can help determine when hip replacement may be appropriate.

When should I see an orthopedic specialist for hip arthritis?

Consider seeing an orthopedic specialist if hip or groin pain persists, worsens, interferes with walking or sleep, limits your normal activities, or does not improve with conservative care. An accurate diagnosis can help determine the most appropriate treatment and rule out other causes of hip pain.

Hip Arthritis and Your Options for Treatment in Colorado

Hip Arthritis

Hip arthritis can make everyday movement painful, limiting your ability to walk, exercise, climb stairs, or simply enjoy the activities you love. At Orthopedic Centers of Colorado, our orthopedic hip specialists provide comprehensive care for hip arthritis, from early diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment to advanced surgical options when necessary.

Hip arthritis occurs when inflammation or deterioration within the hip joint damages the cartilage and other joint structures responsible for smooth movement. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of hip arthritis, but rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and other conditions can also affect the hip. Our goal is to identify the cause of your hip pain and develop a personalized treatment plan that helps reduce symptoms, preserve mobility, and improve your quality of life.

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Comprehensive Hip Arthritis Care

Evaluation and Diagnosis: Hip pain can have many causes, so an accurate diagnosis is an important first step. Your OCC specialist will review your symptoms and medical history and evaluate your hip’s movement, strength, and function. Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays may be used to look for changes within the joint associated with hip arthritis.

Nonsurgical Treatment: Many patients with hip arthritis can manage their symptoms without surgery, particularly during the earlier stages of the condition. Treatment may include activity modification, physical therapy, exercise, weight management when appropriate, medications, assistive devices, or injections. Your treatment plan will depend on the type and severity of your arthritis, your overall health, and your personal goals.

Physical Therapy and Movement: Maintaining strength and mobility can be an important part of managing hip arthritis. Physical therapy and individualized exercises may help improve flexibility, strengthen the muscles supporting the hip, reduce pain, and make everyday movement easier.

Injection Therapy: For some patients, an image-guided corticosteroid injection may provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation. Your orthopedic specialist can determine whether an injection is appropriate based on your diagnosis and previous treatments.

Surgical Treatment: When it becomes severe and nonsurgical treatments no longer provide adequate relief, surgery may be considered. For patients with advanced joint damage, total hip replacement can reduce pain and restore function by replacing damaged portions of the joint with artificial components.

Symptoms of Hip Arthritis

Hip arthritis often develops gradually, and symptoms may become more noticeable over time. Common symptoms can include:

Pain in the groin, hip, thigh, or buttock
Pain that may extend toward the knee
Hip stiffness, especially after sitting or resting
Morning stiffness
Pain with walking or prolonged standing
Difficulty climbing stairs
Reduced range of motion
Difficulty bending or putting on shoes and socks
Limping or changes in the way you walk
Grinding, catching, or stiffness within the hip
Pain that begins to occur at rest or during the night

Because hip arthritis symptoms can overlap with other orthopedic conditions, an evaluation by a hip specialist can help determine the source of your pain.

Types of Hip Arthritis We Treat

Orthopedic Centers of Colorado evaluates and treats multiple forms of arthritis and degenerative conditions affecting the hip, including:

Hip Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Inflammatory Arthritis
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Arthritis Following Previous Hip Injury
Degenerative Hip Joint Disease

Hip Osteoarthritis

Hip osteoarthritis is the most common form of hip arthritis. It develops as the smooth cartilage covering the surfaces of the hip joint deteriorates. As cartilage is lost, movement can become increasingly painful and the joint may become stiff.

Symptoms often progress gradually and may eventually interfere with walking, exercise, work, sleep, and other everyday activities.

Hip Arthritis Treatment Options

Treatment for hip arthritis is based on your symptoms, the severity of joint damage, and how much the condition affects your daily life. OCC’s orthopedic specialists focus on finding the most appropriate level of treatment for each patient.

Nonsurgical hip arthritis treatment may include:

Activity modification
Low-impact exercise
Physical therapy
Strength and flexibility exercises
Weight management when appropriate
Anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medications when medically appropriate
Assistive devices
Corticosteroid injections

When conservative treatment no longer adequately controls symptoms and arthritis has significantly damaged the hip joint, your orthopedic surgeon may discuss surgical options.

Patient-Centered Care for Hip Arthritis

At Orthopedic Centers of Colorado, treating hip arthritis isn’t simply about an X-ray or diagnosis. It’s about understanding how hip pain affects your life and finding a treatment plan that supports the activities and goals that matter to you.

Our orthopedic specialists work with you to explore appropriate nonsurgical and surgical options, answer your questions, and adjust your treatment as your needs change. Whether you’re experiencing the first signs of hip arthritis or managing advanced joint damage, our goal is to help you move with less pain and maintain an active, independent lifestyle.