CRM-RJ 870137 · RQE 20287 · Updated on 30/10/2026
What is hip osteoarthritis
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. Smooth cartilage covers both surfaces and allows frictionless movement. In osteoarthritis the cartilage wears away, the bone underneath is exposed and the joint loses motion and starts to hurt.
It usually appears with age, but it can also result from hip dysplasia, femoroacetabular impingement, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, old fractures or overload from excess weight.
Symptoms: when to see an orthopedist
The most common signs are:
- pain in the groin, the side of the hip or the thigh, sometimes mistaken for knee pain;
- stiffness in the morning or after sitting for a long time;
- difficulty putting on socks, cutting toenails or getting in and out of a car;
- limping or a shorter walking distance;
- pain that starts to disturb sleep.
Pain lasting more than a few weeks, or limiting daily activities, deserves an evaluation. The earlier the diagnosis, the more treatment options there are.
How it is diagnosed
The visit starts with a detailed conversation and a physical exam of the hip, spine and knee. A pelvis X-ray shows the loss of joint space and bone changes. In selected cases the doctor may order an MRI or CT scan to assess the cartilage, the labrum and the femoral head.
Treatment of hip osteoarthritis
The plan is always individual and considers age, activity level, pain intensity and exam findings.
Non-surgical treatment
- guidance on physical activity and muscle strengthening with physical therapy;
- weight control, which reduces the load on the joint;
- pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs under medical guidance;
- image-guided injections such as viscosupplementation and biologic therapies, in selected cases.
Surgical treatment
When pain limits daily life and non-surgical care is no longer enough, a hip replacement (total arthroplasty) replaces the worn joint. Dr. Daniel Ramallo is a hip surgeon with a fellowship in joint reconstruction at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle (USA) and performs minimally invasive techniques.
