What it is

Hip osteoarthritis is loss of joint cartilage with changes in the underlying bone and the joint capsule. Pain and stiffness limit walking, stairs, and sitting, and can disturb sleep.

Symptoms fluctuate with load. Many improve with a plan that combines education, strength, weight management where relevant, and activity adjustments. Others choose injections or joint replacement when function remains limited.

What happens when it occurs

Cartilage thins and becomes less able to dampen load. The joint capsule stiffens and muscles around the hip weaken. Pain sensitivity rises when the joint is overloaded and settles when loading is well-matched.

Common causes and risk factors

  • Ageing and family history
  • Previous hip injury or dysplasia
  • Higher body weight and physically demanding work

Who is most affected

Adults in later decades of life and people with prior hip problems.

Typical symptoms

  • Groin, buttock, or lateral hip pain with walking and stairs
  • Morning stiffness and reduced range of motion
  • Difficulty putting on shoes and socks

When to seek care

Seek care when hip pain limits daily activities or sleep. Early planning improves function and reduces flare-ups.

How we diagnose

History and examination assessing pain, range, and function. X-rays show joint space change. MRI is rarely needed.

Management

  • Education on pacing and joint-friendly movement
  • Progressive strength for hip and trunk, balance training, and walking programmes
  • Weight management where relevant and footwear review
  • Pain-relief strategies including simple analgesics, topical agents, or injections
  • Surgical consultation for persistent limitation

Rehabilitation milestones

Phase 1 weeks 0 to 4: pain management, gentle range, step count planning.

Phase 2 weeks 4 to 12: progressive strength and balance, walking or cycling plan.

Phase 3 months 3 to 6: higher-level function, stairs and hills, return to chosen activities.

Post–joint replacement: hospital and clinic pathways guide milestones.

Readiness to progress

  • Stable pain ratings across a week
  • Improving walking distance and stair tolerance
  • Strength targets met across key movements

Prevention

  • Maintain strength and a healthy weight
  • Manage weekly walking and stair volumes
  • Address hip pain early rather than pushing through it

Australia snapshot

  • Hip osteoarthritis is a common reason for GP visits and allied health referrals
  • Hip replacement is a frequent elective procedure nationwide
  • Active self-management programmes are widely available

Latest insights

Strength and pacing are core treatments. Most hips improve with a structured plan.

Surgery is considered when pain and function do not improve despite best non-surgical care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Strong muscles and joint-friendly pacing reduce pain and improve function even with structural change.

Heavy slow strength for hip extensors, abductors, and rotators, plus balance and walking programmes.

Use them in small, regular doses. Build tolerance with strength work and measured step goals.

X-rays confirm arthritis and help planning. Many decisions are based on symptoms and function.

Some get short-term relief. They do not change joint structure. They can help you progress rehabilitation.

When pain limits life despite best non-surgical care and goals are not met.

Most people continue with task changes and pacing. Plan standing and sitting breaks.