Hip Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Stages & Treatment
A persistent ache in the hip can turn simple movements — tying your shoes, climbing stairs, getting out of bed — into daily challenges. Hip osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint conditions, and understanding its stages and treatment options is the first step toward lasting relief.
What Is Hip Osteoarthritis?
Hip osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. The protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones gradually wears away, and without this smooth gliding surface the bones in the hip joint begin rubbing directly against each other.
This friction leads to pain, swelling, and stiffness. While osteoarthritis can develop in any joint, the hip is one of the most common sites because it bears a significant share of body weight with every step.
Causes of Hip Osteoarthritis
Several factors contribute to the breakdown of cartilage in the hip. Age is the most common reason, but it is far from the only one.
- —Age — Cartilage naturally loses its ability to heal and regenerate over time.
- —Genetics — A family history of arthritis raises the likelihood of developing the condition.
- —Joint injuries — Previous trauma, fractures, or sports injuries accelerate cartilage wear.
- —Excess body weight — Adds significant stress to the hip’s weight-bearing surfaces.
- —Structural abnormalities — Conditions such as hip dysplasia cause uneven wear on the joint surface.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen over time. Recognising them early allows for treatment before joint damage becomes severe.
- —Deep aching pain — Located in the groin, thigh, or buttocks — often worse with activity.
- —Morning stiffness — Especially noticeable on first waking or after sitting for long periods.
- —Reduced range of motion — Difficulty bending over or rotating the leg.
- —Grinding sensation — An audible or palpable grinding feel inside the joint as cartilage continues to wear down.
Right, Left, and Bilateral Hip Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis does not always affect both sides equally — you can develop it in the right hip, the left hip, or both (bilateral). When only one side is affected, the body often compensates by shifting weight to the unaffected leg, placing extra strain on the opposite hip, knee, and lower back.
Treating the painful side promptly protects the healthy joints from unnecessary wear caused by these compensation patterns.
Stages of Hip Osteoarthritis
Doctors typically classify hip osteoarthritis on a four-stage scale. Knowing the stage helps determine the most effective course of action.
Exercises for Hip Osteoarthritis
Staying active is one of the most effective ways to manage joint pain. The right exercises strengthen the muscles supporting the joint, reducing pressure on the cartilage and bone — while the wrong ones can accelerate damage.
- —Low-impact cardio — Swimming, cycling, and water aerobics keep you moving without jarring the joint.
- —Gentle stretching and yoga — Improve flexibility and overall range of motion.
- —Targeted strengthening — Glute and thigh strengthening, ideally guided by a physical therapist, builds stability around the hip.
- —High-impact activity — Running, jumping rope, and plyometrics place intense stress on damaged cartilage.
- —Deep squats and heavy lunges — Force the joint into extreme angles under heavy loads.
- —Anything that causes sharp pain — Stop immediately and choose a gentler alternative.
Treatment Options
Treatment usually involves a combination of strategies, beginning with conservative options before considering surgery.
Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications help reduce swelling and discomfort. Physical therapy builds supporting muscle mass and improves joint stability. For some patients, corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections directly into the joint provide significant relief. Walking aids such as a cane or walker offload weight from the affected hip and make daily movement easier.
When Hip Replacement May Be Needed
When non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief — severe pain that interrupts sleep, or that prevents walking, bending, or working — it may be time to consider surgery.
During a total hip replacement, the surgeon removes the damaged bone and cartilage and replaces them with durable prosthetic components. The procedure has a high success rate and significantly improves quality of life, allowing most patients to return to the activities they love without pain.
ICD-10 Codes for Hip Osteoarthritis
Medical bills and insurance paperwork often reference standard billing codes. The general ICD-10 code for primary hip osteoarthritis is M16, with specific codes depending on which hip is affected.
- —M16.0 — Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of the hip.
- —M16.11 — Unilateral primary osteoarthritis of the right hip.
- —M16.12 — Unilateral primary osteoarthritis of the left hip.
These codes help insurance providers process claims accurately and ensure that imaging, therapy, and surgical care are correctly attributed to the affected joint.
Get Expert Hip Care
Early diagnosis and an individualised treatment plan are essential for protecting your hip and maintaining an active life. If you are experiencing persistent groin or hip pain, schedule an evaluation with an experienced orthopaedic specialist to map out the right next step.
