Osteoarthritis of the hip is a common age related condition that is due to general wear and tear that causes a gradual degeneration of the cartilage at the hip joint.

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of hip pain in adults aged late forties onwards, although it can occur at a younger age. It’s often linked to earlier fractures, trauma, childhood hip problems (Perthes, Congenital Hip Dysplasia), family history of osteoarthritis and being over-weight. 

Symptoms include pain in the groin, buttocks and thigh which is generally worse with activity such as standing and walking, stiffness, restricted movement, difficulty in bending down and a limp.  In extreme situations, the leg can become shorter and the hip can become fixed in a bent position.

Hip arthritis may also be caused by other conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Lupus, and Psoriatic Arthritis.