Hip Osteoarthritis

Hip osteoarthritis is characterised as a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage that covers the surfaces of pelvic and thigh bones wears out– resulting in the bones rubbing onto one another. The continuous rubbing in turn fosters bone spur growth. 

Symptoms of hip osteoarthritis include pain in the groin, thigh, buttocks or knee. The type of pain can either be dull, radiating or sharp and stabbing pain at the affected areas. Often these symptoms progress into stiffness of the hip, significantly affecting one’s mobility. 

There is no single diagnostic test for osteoarthritis. A thorough evaluation is necessary by assessing your hip mobility and detecting signs of anomalies on imaging tests such as X-rays. Treatment typically involves nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (for mild to moderate osteoarthritis), surgeries (for more severe cases)  and physical therapy.