Hip Arthritis
Assessment first
From symptoms and imaging to a considered plan.
01 / Overview
What is hip arthritis?
Arthritis describes damage and inflammation affecting a joint. In the hip, the smooth surfaces that allow the ball-and-socket joint to move can become worn or damaged, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced movement.
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause. Hip arthritis may also be associated with a previous injury, avascular necrosis, inflammatory arthritis or developmental conditions. Because pain around the hip can also come from nearby muscles, tendons or the lower back, identifying the source of your symptoms is an important first step.
A specialist assessment brings together your symptoms, examination and imaging before treatment options are discussed.
On this page
02 / What to know
Symptoms you may notice
Hip arthritis does not feel exactly the same for everyone. Symptoms often build gradually and may vary from day to day.
- Pain deep in the groin, front of the thigh or buttock
- Pain that travels towards the knee
- Stiffness after rest or first thing in the morning
- Reduced movement or difficulty putting on shoes and socks
- Pain with walking, stairs, standing from a chair or getting in and out of a car
- A limp, reduced walking distance or increasing reliance on a walking aid
- Night or resting pain as the condition becomes more advanced
It is reasonable to seek an assessment when hip pain is persistent, worsening or beginning to limit work, exercise, sleep or normal daily activities.
03 / What to know
How the hip is assessed
Your consultation starts with a discussion about where the pain is felt, how long it has been present, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects your life. Dr Fraser will also consider your general health, previous injuries or operations, current medicines and the treatments you have already tried.
A physical examination may assess your walking pattern, hip movement, strength and areas of tenderness. Existing X-rays or scans will be reviewed, and further imaging may be arranged when it is clinically useful or when another cause needs to be investigated. The treatment decision is based on the overall picture—not an image alone.
04 / Treatment options
Symptoms you may notice
Many people begin with non-operative care. The right combination depends on your symptoms, medical history and goals, and may include:
- Education about the condition and practical changes to reduce aggravating activities
- An individualised exercise or physiotherapy program to support movement, strength and function
- Maintaining a healthy body weight or receiving weight-management support where relevant
- Using a walking aid temporarily or longer term when it improves comfort and safety
- Discussing pain-relief or anti-inflammatory medicines with your GP, including their potential risks and interactions
- Selected injection treatments when clinically appropriate, after discussing the expected benefit, limitations and risks
Non-surgical care is not simply “waiting for surgery”. It can improve symptoms and function, and it helps show whether an operation is likely to add meaningful benefit.
05 / Treatment options
When hip replacement may be considered
Hip replacement may be discussed when arthritis is advanced, pain and loss of function are significantly affecting quality of life, and appropriate non-operative treatment is no longer providing adequate relief.
The procedure replaces the damaged acetabulum (socket) and femoral head (ball) with prosthetic components. Its aim is to reduce pain and improve mobility and quality of life, but—as with any operation—recovery varies and risks need to be considered carefully.
Dr Fraser will explain whether surgery is a reasonable option for you, the alternatives, the likely recovery pathway and the important risks and benefits. The final decision is made together and should reflect what matters most to you.
Preparing for your appointment
Bringing the following information can make your consultation more useful:
- Your referral and Medicare details
- Relevant X-rays, scans and reports, if these were completed outside the imaging network
- A current list of medicines, allergies and major medical conditions
- Details of previous hip treatment, physiotherapy, injections or operations
- A short note about the activities you can no longer do comfortably and what you hope treatment will help you return to
You are welcome to bring a family member or support person. Writing down your questions beforehand can also help you make the most of the appointment.
07 / Important guidance
When to seek urgent medical care
Typical arthritis symptoms are usually assessed through a routine appointment. Seek urgent medical care if your hip pain is sudden or severe, follows a fall or injury, or you cannot move the leg or put weight through it. A hot, red or swollen joint accompanied by fever or feeling very unwell can indicate an infection and needs urgent assessment.
Call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. This page provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice.
Discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
Hip Arthritis FAQs
Does hip arthritis always require surgery?
No. Many people begin with education, activity changes, exercise or physiotherapy, weight management where relevant, walking aids and appropriate pain management. Surgery may be considered when advanced arthritis continues to cause substantial pain and loss of function despite suitable non-operative care.
Why can hip arthritis cause groin or knee pain?
Pain arising from the hip joint is commonly felt deep in the groin and may travel down the front of the thigh towards the knee. An assessment is important because pain in these areas can also have other causes.
How is the severity of hip arthritis assessed?
Dr Fraser considers your symptoms, their effect on daily life, physical examination findings and relevant imaging together. An X-ray or scan is only one part of the overall clinical picture.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring your referral, Medicare details, relevant X-rays or scans, a current medication list and any useful reports from previous treatment or surgery. Contact the practice before your visit if you are unsure what is required.
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