Hip Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.

What kind of doctor treats Hip Arthritis?

An orthopedic surgeon, a doctor who treats bone and joint problems, usually treats hip arthritis. A physical therapist, who teaches strengthening exercises, is often part of the team. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.

What is hip arthritis?

Hip arthritis here means osteoarthritis of the hip, sometimes called wear-and-tear arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis of the hip causes pain and stiffness and can make everyday activities hard.

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball is the top of the thighbone, called the femur. The socket is part of the pelvis bone. A smooth tissue called cartilage covers the bones so they move easily. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the hip gradually wears away. It becomes frayed and rough, and bone can rub on bone. Extra bone called bone spurs may also grow.

Symptoms

Pain is the most common symptom. It tends to start slowly and gets worse over time. Other symptoms include:

  • Pain in the groin (the most common spot) or thigh that can spread to the buttocks or knee.
  • Pain and stiffness that may be worse in the morning, or after sitting or resting for a while.
  • Stiffness that makes it hard to walk or bend.
  • A locking or sticking feeling, or a grinding noise when you move the hip.
  • Less range of motion in the hip, which may cause a limp.

Causes and who gets it

Doctors do not know one single cause. Some things make it more likely. These include:

  • Older age. It occurs most often in people 50 and older, though younger people can get it too.
  • A family history of osteoarthritis.
  • A past injury to the hip joint.
  • Obesity.
  • A hip joint that did not form properly at birth, called developmental dysplasia of the hip.

After age 50, it is more common in women than in men. You can still get osteoarthritis if you have none of these risk factors.

How doctors diagnose it

There is no single test for osteoarthritis. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. Then the doctor will examine your hip. The exam checks for tenderness, how far the hip can move, and how you walk.

X-rays of an arthritic hip may show a narrow joint space, changes in the bone, and bone spurs. Sometimes an MRI or CT scan is needed to see the bone and soft tissues better.

Treatment

There is no cure for osteoarthritis. Many treatments can ease pain and help you stay active. Treatment for hip osteoarthritis starts without surgery. Your doctor may suggest:

  • Lifestyle changes: doing less of what makes the hip hurt, such as climbing stairs. Switching from high-impact activities like jogging or tennis to low-impact ones like swimming or cycling. Losing weight, which can mean less pain and better function.
  • Physical therapy: exercises to build flexibility and strengthen the muscles in your hip and leg.
  • Walking aids: a cane, crutches, or a walker.
  • Medicines: acetaminophen for mild pain, or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as naproxen and ibuprofen, which may ease pain and swelling. Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory medicines that can be taken by mouth or injected into the joint. Pain relievers you buy without a prescription can also cause side effects and interact with other medicines, so talk with your doctor.

Your doctor may suggest surgery if arthritis pain causes disability and is not relieved by nonsurgical treatment. In a total hip replacement, the damaged socket and the ball of the thighbone are removed. New metal, plastic, or ceramic surfaces take their place. Surgery carries risks, such as infection, heavy bleeding, blood clots, hip dislocation, and legs of different lengths. In most cases, surgery relieves the pain and makes daily activities easier.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if hip pain makes everyday tasks hard, like bending to tie a shoe, getting up from a chair, or taking a short walk. Osteoarthritis slowly gets worse, and the sooner you start treatment, the more likely you can lessen its effect on your life.

Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have sudden, severe pain anywhere in the body.

How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in

A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type of doctor can listen to your symptoms, examine the hip, order an X-ray, and help you plan nonsurgical care. They can also send you to an orthopedic surgeon if surgery comes up.

Common questions

Can hip arthritis be cured?

No, there is no cure for osteoarthritis of the hip. There are many treatment options to help you manage pain and stay active.

Does hip arthritis get worse over time?

Yes, it usually does. Osteoarthritis develops slowly, and the pain it causes worsens over time.

Will I need hip replacement surgery?

Not always. Early treatment is nonsurgical. Your doctor may suggest surgery if your pain causes disability and other treatments do not help enough.

Where do you feel hip arthritis pain?

You feel hip arthritis pain most often in the groin or thigh. The pain can spread to the buttocks or the knee.

Can losing weight help hip arthritis?

Yes, losing weight can help. Less weight can reduce stress on the hip joint, which means less pain and better function.

Sources

  1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Hip Osteoarthritis
  2. MedlinePlus - Osteoarthritis

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.