Hip Arthritis

The hip is one of the largest and most important joints in the body. It is a “ball-and-socket” joint, which means the rounded top of the thigh bone (femur) fits into a cup-shaped socket in the pelvis called the acetabulum.

The hip is very stable and designed to withstand decades of walking, running, climbing stairs, and everything else life throws at it.

Healthy hip joints are covered with a smooth layer of cartilage. This cartilage acts like a shock absorber and allows the ball and socket to glide effortlessly against one another.

When the cartilage is healthy, movement feels smooth and painless.

When arthritis develops and that cartilage wears away, the joint becomes rough and irritated. Instead of moving freely, the surfaces begin to grind against each other. This is what causes many of the symptoms associated with hip arthritis.

Because the hip plays a role in nearly every step you take, even simple activities can become frustrating when arthritis progresses.

There is no single cause of hip arthritis. In most cases, several factors work together over many years.

The most common form is osteoarthritis, sometimes called “wear-and-tear arthritis.” Despite the nickname, it is not simply the result of using your joints too much. If that were true, every marathon runner and cyclist would need a hip replacement by age 40.

Instead, osteoarthritis develops through a combination of genetics, age-related changes, joint mechanics, and previous injury. We call this “multifactorial.”

Common causes and risk factors include:

Age

The risk of hip arthritis increases with age. While arthritis can occur in younger adults, it becomes more common as we get older.

Family History

Some people are simply more prone to developing arthritis due to genetics.

Previous Injury

A prior hip fracture, dislocation, sports injury, or childhood hip condition can increase the likelihood of developing arthritis later in life.

Excess Body Weight

Additional weight places greater stress on the hip joint and may accelerate cartilage wear.

Hip Shape and Alignment

Some people are born with subtle differences in hip anatomy that may lead to increased cartilage wear over time.

Inflammatory Conditions

Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can damage the joint lining and cartilage, leading to arthritis.

Many patients are surprised to learn that they did nothing wrong. Dr. Tauchen frequently reminds patients that developing hip arthritis is often the result of factors outside their control—not because they enjoyed sports, exercise, or an active lifestyle.

Hip arthritis can develop gradually, often over several years.

The earliest symptoms are frequently mistaken for a pulled muscle or minor strain. As arthritis progresses, the symptoms typically become more noticeable and persistent.

Common symptoms include:

Groin Pain

The most classic symptom of hip arthritis is pain deep in the groin. Many patients are surprised to learn that hip arthritis often hurts in the front of the hip rather than on the outside.

Stiffness

Patients commonly notice difficulty putting on shoes and socks or crossing their legs.

Pain with Walking

Walking longer distances may become uncomfortable, causing patients to stop and rest more frequently.

Difficulty Climbing Stairs

Activities that once seemed routine can become increasingly painful.

Limping

As pain worsens, many people begin to alter the way they walk without even realizing it.

Pain at Night

More advanced arthritis may cause discomfort while lying in bed or trying to sleep.

Loss of Mobility

Patients often describe feeling like the hip has become “tight,” “locked up,” or simply doesn’t move the way it used to.

One of Dr. Tauchen’s favorite questions to ask is:

“Are there certain activities that you have stopped doing because of your hip?”

The answer is often more important than an X-ray. Whether it’s cycling, golfing, traveling, exercising, or keeping up with grandchildren, hip arthritis tends to steal activities long before it completely stops them.

Diagnosing hip arthritis typically begins with a conversation and a physical examination

Dr. Tauchen spends time understanding how symptoms are affecting daily life, what activities have become difficult, and what treatments have already been attempted.

During the physical exam, he evaluates hip motion, strength, flexibility, and walking mechanics.

X-rays are usually the most important imaging study for diagnosing hip arthritis. They allow Dr. Tauchen to evaluate the amount of remaining joint space, identify bone spurs, and determine the severity of arthritis.

In some cases, additional imaging such as an MRI may be helpful, particularly if symptoms are unusual or another condition is suspected.

The good news is that diagnosing hip arthritis is usually straightforward.

The bigger question is not whether arthritis exists—it’s how much it is affecting your quality of life.

Some patients have significant arthritis on X-rays but very few symptoms. Others have more modest findings yet struggle with daily activities. That’s why treatment decisions should always focus on the patient, not just the image.