Hip Arthritis (Osteoarthritis of the Hip)

 

Hip arthritis, most commonly osteoarthritis, is a leading cause of hip pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It occurs when the cartilage within the hip joint gradually wears away, exposing the underlying bone. Unlike cartilage, bone contains nerve endings, which is why this process leads to pain during movement and weight-bearing.

Symptoms of hip arthritis are typically felt deep in the groin, but may also present in the outer hip, buttock, thigh, or even the knee. In some cases, spinal conditions such as sciatica can mimic hip pain, making accurate diagnosis by a hip specialist in Melbourne essential.

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Non-Surgical Treatment for Hip Arthritis

 

In the early stages, hip arthritis is best managed with conservative treatment, including:

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• Weight management

• Physiotherapy and strength-based rehabilitation

• Anti-inflammatory medications (non-opioid)

• Corticosteroid injections in selected cases

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These approaches aim to reduce pain, improve function, and delay the progression of joint degeneration.

 

Surgical Treatment – Hip Replacement

 

For more advanced cases, hip replacement surgery is the most effective and reliable treatment. Widely regarded as one of the most successful procedures in modern medicine, hip replacement can significantly improve pain, mobility, and quality of life.

Even in younger patients, hip replacement surgery demonstrates excellent durability and long-term outcomes. As a result, joint preservation procedures for advanced hip arthritis have a limited role compared to the proven success of modern hip replacement techniques.