Osteoarthritis of the hip is one of the most common reasons people in their 50s, 60s and beyond experience groin pain, stiffness and difficulty with walking, stairs or getting in and out of a car. It can develop gradually over years or accelerate after injury.
Common symptoms
- Groin pain (sometimes buttock or thigh)
- Stiffness, especially after sitting or first thing in the morning
- Reduced walking distance
- Night pain
- Limping or altered gait
When to see a specialist
Not everyone with hip arthritis needs surgery. Many people manage well for years with the right advice. Consider specialist input when:
- Pain is affecting sleep or daily activities despite simple measures
- You are having to stop hobbies or work you enjoy
- Your GP has already tried basic treatments and symptoms persist
Non-operative options
- Activity modification and targeted physiotherapy (strength, range, gait)
- Weight management (even modest loss helps)
- Simple analgesia and anti-inflammatories (used judiciously)
- Walking aids when needed
- Injections (limited role in hip OA — discussed case-by-case)
Surgical options
When symptoms are no longer tolerable and imaging confirms advanced arthritis, total hip replacement is one of the most successful operations in modern medicine for the right patient.
Key principles I follow include careful pre-operative planning, use of proven implants with good long-term registry data, modern techniques that allow early mobilisation, and an individualised discussion of approach based on your anatomy and goals.
Realistic expectations
Most patients experience major improvement in pain and function. Recovery takes time — the first 6–12 weeks are the hardest, with continued gains over 6–12 months. Many return to walking, cycling, golf, and even more demanding activities depending on their starting point.
Complications are uncommon but real (infection, dislocation, leg length difference, loosening over time). I discuss these openly so you can weigh them against your current quality of life.
Questions worth asking
- What does my imaging actually show and how advanced is the arthritis?
- Have we exhausted reasonable non-operative options?
- What implant would you use for me and why?
- What is your personal revision rate for this procedure?
- What will recovery look like for someone with my lifestyle?
If you would like a clear assessment of your situation, you can arrange a private consultation or discuss a referral with your GP.