Hip Osteoarthritis is typically characterised by stiffness and a decrease in the joint range of movement. People often state that have difficulty putting their sock on in the morning. The pain experiences can vary, but often have some association with groin pain.

 

An important differential diagnosis, is to ensure the problem is the hip joint and not referral of symptoms from the spine.

Clinical examination, and if indicated, pelvic x-rays are appropriate. Please note x-rays need to be limited as radiation for pelvic x-rays is quite high.

 

Other interventions such as guided injections can be considered both as treatment to suppress the inflammation and also as further diagnosis. If symptoms fail to ease following an injection, then there is more likelihood that the problem is related to the spine.

 

Changes to the mechanical strain on the hip joint can be influenced with exercises, movement patterns, posture and footwear. Using walking stick correctly can decrease the mechanical load through the joint by up to 30%.

Surgery is a valid consideration when the joint has significant degenerative changes.

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It is important that diagnosis is established and best management follows the improvement of the joint function. Please remember that the pain experience is the warning that there is a problem; the pain can be extreme even when the joint still has good function. 

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