Everything you need to know about hip osteoarthritis

Hip pain is often dismissed as nothing more than a natural part of growing older. But when it interferes with your day-to-day comfort and movement, there may be a cause for concern. For many adults older than 45, hip osteoarthritis is often the culprit behind this excessive and prolonged period of discomfort. If you’ve been recently diagnosed or are beginning to notice some of the symptoms that we’ll cover shortly, fret not. While it is undoubtedly a difficult situation, understanding it is key to preventing it from taking over your life. With that in mind, let us explore how hip osteoarthritis develops, what some of the symptoms are to watch out for, and what treatment options are available for you.

How hip osteoarthritis develops: The natural ageing process

To put it simply, hip osteoarthritis, or hip OA, is a joint condition that develops when the protective cartilage in the hip begins to wear down. The hips are a ball-and-socket joint, and the cartilage allows these parts to function like a well-oiled machine. Unfortunately, over time, the cartilage can wear down and erode, leading to friction between the bones. This results in inflammation, pain, and the gradual loss of mobility.

While this condition is more likely to occur as you age, it is influenced by historical factors like injuries or genetic predisposition, along with lifestyle determinants such as being overweight or engaging in repetitive physical activities and occupations. The key thing to remember is that hip OA symptoms usually begin after the age of 45, but there’s always a possibility of an earlier onset.

Early symptoms you shouldn’t ignore

Despite being the second most common form of OA after knee osteoarthritis, early symptoms of hip osteoarthritis are subtle and easy to ignore until the pain becomes borderline unbearable. One of the most common signs people need to look out for is stiffness, particularly after periods of inactivity, such as sleeping or sitting for long durations. You may also feel discomfort in the groin or upper thigh area when walking, bending, or standing up. There’s also a chance that you’ll notice the pain in activities that ask for a full range of motion, such as putting on socks, tying shoes, or getting in and out of vehicles. At first, this pain will only be a slight annoyance that comes and goes as it likes, but over time, it can become increasingly persistent and more challenging to ignore.

How hip OA affects your daily activities

As hip osteoarthritis advances, the first thing you’ll notice is difficulty with walking, particularly over longer distances or on uneven ground. Stairs will become a challenge, sitting for too long will cause tremendous stiffness, and sleep will also be affected if the pain disrupts your restfulness. What’s worse is that these difficulties often push people into modifying their everyday lives without even realising it, from reduced socialising to living sedentarily, which only worsens physical health even further. You may find yourself chalking it up to old age or a stormy night of sleep. Still, if you’ve been subtly implementing changes like avoiding walks, skipping outings, or sitting longer to prevent the pain, the situation already demands that you make the right call at the right time. Recognising how your symptoms are influencing your routine is going to be your first step toward regaining control of your life.

Essential considerations for hip osteoarthritis

Early diagnosis

If you have been experiencing the aforementioned symptoms of hip OA for more than a few weeks at a point, the first thing you’re going to want to do is seek a hip surgeon in London as soon as possible. Depending on your physical examination and X-ray results, the surgeon will communicate how severe the condition is and help you explore treatment plans accordingly, from conservative and non-invasive methods to surgical procedures.

Individualised treatment

It may seem annoying, but there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treating hip OA. Treatment often involves a highly personalised process that takes into account your overall health, the severity of your condition, and your overall lifestyle habits.

In most cases, a combination of approaches is used to manage the symptoms and preserve your body’s motor functions. These may include starting with physiotherapy, exercise programs, and anti-inflammatory medications, then moving into surgical options like hip replacement when other treatments no longer provide sufficient relief. While it’s your right to hold reservations regarding invasive procedures, it’s important to remember that, thanks to modern advances in surgical treatments, you can actually experience a life-changing improvement in mobility after surgery.

No cure, but management

Another equally annoying fact about the nature of osteoarthritis is that it is a chronic condition with no outright way to cure it. That said, you can manage its symptoms and the pain that follows for many years with the right mindset and strategy. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a personalised treatment plan are the keys to victory here.

It is essential to understand that osteoarthritis is a chronic condition. While there is currently no cure, the symptoms can be managed successfully for many years with the right strategy. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a personalised treatment plan can help you stay mobile and reduce pain. Supportive footwear, for example, can reduce stress on your hips and adding low-impact movements like swimming, yoga, or cycling can help keep the surrounding muscles strong without straining the joint. Of course, simple additions, like using a seat cushion, modifying your car seat position, or using a reacher tool to avoid bending over, can also make a world of difference.

Make the right call for your hip osteoarthritis

It’s important to remember that although hip osteoarthritis is a challenging condition, it is, at the end of the day, a manageable issue with the proper steps. While the condition feels inevitable as you grow old, it does not mean you have to accept daily pain or a reduced quality of life. With early diagnosis, individualised treatment, and a proactive mindset, many people continue to lead active and fulfilling lives. With all that said, whether you are looking for reassurance or ready to take the next step in treatment, please consider speaking to a hip surgeon to understand your condition better and begin your path toward lasting relief.