Hip osteoarthritis is wear in the joint surface, typically felt in the groin rather than the outside of the hip. Exercise is the first-line treatment in every major guideline, and it works — strengthening reliably improves pain and function even where the joint changes are advanced. For those who do go on to a replacement, arriving stronger produces a better result.

Does this sound like you?

Most people have several of these, not all of them.

Pain in the groin, sometimes referring to the knee
Stiffness first thing in the morning, easing within half an hour
Difficulty putting on socks and shoes, or getting out of a low chair
Reduced walking distance developing over months or years
A limp, or reluctance to take full weight on that side

Why it happens

Age-related change in the joint surface
A previous hip injury, fracture or childhood hip condition
Years of heavy loading through work or sport
Family history, which is a real factor
Higher body weight increasing the load through the joint

What we would do about it

Roughly in this order — each step waits for the one before it.

Progressive strengthening, the first-line treatment in every guideline
Range of movement work to maintain what is there
Manual therapy for pain relief alongside the exercise
Walking aids and pacing advice where distance is limited
Weight and load management where relevant, discussed practically
Pre-operative strengthening if a replacement is planned, which improves outcomes

See a doctor first if

Your pain followed a significant injury
It is getting worse rather than settling
It comes with numbness, weakness or unexplained weight loss

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Symptoms overlap between conditions, so the right treatment depends on an assessment.

Exercise is the first-line treatment, not the last resort

Strengthening reliably improves hip arthritis pain, and if you do end up needing a replacement, going in stronger means coming out better. Either way it is worth starting.

Book a hip assessment Ask a question first

Or call us on 0403 907 587 — we see patients across Seaton.

Other hip conditions we treat

Gluteal Tendinopathy Groin Strain Hip Impingement Hip Replacement Rehab

Back to all hip conditions

General information only, not advice about your own problem — nothing here replaces an assessment. Source: Hip Osteoarthritis on Physiopedia.

Hip Osteoarthritis