Hip Osteoarthritis

4 July 2025

Overview

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a wear-and-tear condition where the smooth cartilage covering the ball-and-socket joint gradually thins, causing pain, stiffness and loss of movement. Early specialist care can slow progression; advanced cases may require hip replacement.

Causes & Risk Factors

Ageing cartilage (most common in over-50s)
Previous injury or childhood hip disorder
Genetics or family history of OA
Obesity—increased load on the joint
Repetitive strain (heavy manual work, running)

Key Symptoms

Groin or buttock pain that worsens with walking or standing
Morning stiffness (<30 min) that eases with movement
Clicking, grinding or loss of hip rotation
Difficulty putting on socks/shoes, getting out of cars
Night pain disrupting sleep

Diagnosis at The New Foscote Hospital

Consultant assessment and focused examination
Digital X-ray to confirm joint-space narrowing or osteophytes
MRI/CT if early OA or to plan surgery

Treatment Options

Stage	Early / Moderate
Main Options	Lifestyle change, weight loss, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatories, guided steroid or hyaluronic-acid injections
Goal	Pain control & slowed progression

Stage	Advanced
Main Options	Total Hip Replacement (cemented, uncemented or hybrid) via minimally invasive approach
Goal	Long-term pain relief & restored mobility

Enhanced-recovery pathways mean most patients walk the same day and go home in 1–3 days after surgery.