- Patients with hip pain or stiffness
- Patients reviewing an arthritis diagnosis
- How the hip joint works
- Common symptoms of arthritis
- How diagnosis and treatment are approached
- Hip arthritis commonly causes groin pain and stiffness.
- X-rays usually confirm the diagnosis.
- MRI is rarely needed for typical advanced arthritis.
- Treatment should match symptoms and goals.
How the Hip Works
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball is the top of the femur, and the socket is part of the pelvis.
A smooth layer of cartilage covers both surfaces. Healthy cartilage allows the hip to move with very little friction.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis occurs when joint cartilage gradually wears down. The joint may develop bone spurs, inflammation, stiffness, and areas where bone rubs directly against bone.
Arthritis does not always progress at the same speed. Symptoms may remain stable for a period, then worsen after changes in activity, strength, weight, or general health.
Common Symptoms
Hip arthritis can sometimes be felt in the knee. A careful examination helps determine whether the hip, spine, or another condition is the true source of pain.
- Groin pain
- Pain in the front of the thigh
- Buttock pain
- Stiffness after sitting
- Difficulty putting on shoes and socks
- Pain getting into a car
- Reduced walking distance
- A limp
How Hip Arthritis Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis begins with your history and physical examination. Your surgeon will assess motion, strength, walking pattern, areas of tenderness, and whether symptoms may be coming from the back or another structure.
Standing X-rays usually show joint-space loss, bone spurs, cysts, or changes in the shape of the joint.
Is an MRI Needed?
MRI is usually not necessary when symptoms, examination, and X-rays clearly show advanced arthritis. It may be helpful when the diagnosis is uncertain or when another condition is suspected.
Treatment Options
Early treatment often includes activity modification, exercise, strengthening, medication when appropriate, weight management, a walking aid, or an image-guided injection.
Hip replacement may be considered when arthritis causes substantial pain and loss of function despite reasonable non-surgical treatment.
Questions Patients Commonly Ask
Why does my hip hurt in the groin?
The hip joint is deep in the groin, so arthritis often causes pain there rather than directly over the side of the hip.
Can hip arthritis improve on its own?
The cartilage loss does not reverse, but symptoms can improve with changes in activity, strength, medication, weight, or injections.
Is lateral hip pain always arthritis?
No. Pain over the outside of the hip may come from tendons, bursae, the spine, or other causes.
Do I need surgery because my X-ray is severe?
No. Surgery is based on symptoms, function, examination, health, and goals - not the X-ray alone.
The location of pain matters. True hip-joint pain is often felt in the groin or front of the thigh, while pain directly over the outside of the hip frequently comes from a different problem.