Hip Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that causes a mechanical breakdown of the hip joint. It is the third most likely joint to suffer osteoarthritis after the hand and the knee. It is more common in women than men.
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Hip Osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis causes
The exact cause of hip osteoarthritis is unknown but ageing is a factor as the cartilage thins and becomes less flexible as we grow older. It is most often experienced after the age of 45 and is most common in the 60-plus age group.
Experts believe that up to 50 per cent of the root or hip osteoarthritis is hereditary with factors including poor bone alignment, congenital hip dislocation, rheumatoid arthritis and metabolic disorder.
Athletes who have participated in high impact sports over a long number of years have an increased risk of developing the condition.
Hip osteoarthritis symptoms
The most common symptoms are decreased range of motion and hip pain although the levels of pain can be subtle and easy to dismiss.
Patients experience an aching and stiffness in the groin, buttock or thigh with others feeling pain in the side or back when weight goes through the hip. This can travel down the leg to the knee.
There can be discomfort when getting out of bed in the morning and sporting activities can be painful.
In some cases, the the joint can become swollen resulting in surrounding muscles becoming weak.
Hip osteoarthritis diagnosis
A range of diagnostic tests including X-rays and MRI scans is the best route to confirm hip osteoarthritis and allow consultants to ensure the pain is not mimicking other conditions.
Hip osteoarthritis treatment
The condition’s progress can be slowed but not reversed. Weight loss and muscle strengthening help the hip joint and the emphasis is on a getting a diagnosis early to reduce the amount of long term damage.
An extra 10lbs body weight can result in the hip having to deal with an extra 60lbs of pressure with each step.
The pain can be treated with steroid injections to reduce the swelling and alleviate stiffness and hyaluronic acid injections that provide lubrication for the hip join. The relief lasts for six to 12 months and allows the patient to embark on a weight loss and/or physical exercise programme.
Surgery is an option, including the minimally invasive arthroscopy to remove loose pieces of cartilage or bone spurs, an osteotomy to align bones and reduce friction or a total hip replacement, known as an arthroplasty.
Contact us
To ask a question about hip osteoarthritis or to book an appointment, contact our specialist team available Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm and on Saturday from 9am – 1pm. Our hip specialists team have a dedicated and caring approach and will seek to find you the earliest appointment possible with the correct specialist for your needs.
If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP. You can simply refer yourself and book an appointment. If you have medical insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa PPP, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer for authorisation for any treatment and, in most cases, you will require a referral letter from your GP.
If you do not have a GP, then we have an in-house private GP practice that you can use. Alternatively we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstance.
Call us on 0207 078 3811 or email us at [email protected]
Hip Clinic
Our London-based specialist Hip Clinic offers an extensive range of treatments for hip conditions and injuries. Our multidisciplinary team of hip consultants can offer a combined treatment plan tailored to individual patient needs.
Patient information
Our Hospital is renowned for providing exemplary levels of care across more than 90 services. From orthopaedics, to urology, our private GP practice and Urgent Care Clinic, our services are led by some of London’s leading Consultants. For more information, and to find a service suitable for your care, find out more about the services that we offer.
Make an enquiry
If you have any questions relating to treatment options or pricing information, get in touch with us by filling out one of our contact boxes or giving us a call on 0207 078 3811.
Our Appointments Team have a dedicated and caring approach to finding you the earliest appointment possible with the best specialist.
If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP for a consultation. You can simply refer yourself* and book an appointment.
If you have health insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa Health, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer to get authorisation before any treatment, and in most cases you will also require a referral letter from your GP.
If you are not registered with a GP, we have an in-house private GP practice you can use. Alternatively, we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstances.
*Please note – for investigations such as X-rays and MRIs, a referral will be required. However, we may be able to arrange this for you through our on-site private GP.
