"Hip pain? It's just part of getting older... right?" Not always.

While some aches improve with rest, persistent hip pain may be a sign of an underlying condition that should not be ignored. Whether it's affecting your walks, exercise routine, sleep, or daily activities, understanding the cause is the first step towards finding relief.

Where Is Your Hip Pain Coming From?

One of the most common causes of persistent hip pain in adults is hip osteoarthritis, where the smooth cartilage lining the hip joint wears down, leading to pain and stiffness.

Pain from hip arthritis is commonly felt in the groin or front of the thigh, though it can sometimes show up in the buttock or even the knee. You may notice increasing difficulty walking longer distances, climbing stairs, getting in and out of a car, or putting on shoes and socks. As arthritis progresses, pain can occur even at rest or disturb your sleep.

However, osteoarthritis is not the only cause of hip pain. Other possible causes include:

• Hip impingement or labral injuries: More common in younger or more active individuals.
• Inflammatory conditions: Such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Avascular necrosis: A condition where blood supply to the femoral head is compromised.
• Hip fractures: Particularly after a fall.
• Referred pain: Pain originating from the lower back or knee joint.

Take Note: Sudden hip pain after a fall, or an inability to bear weight, needs urgent medical attention.

An orthopaedic assessment can help determine the source of your pain. Depending on your symptoms, X-rays or advanced imaging such as an MRI scan may be recommended.

Do I Need Surgery for Hip Arthritis?

Not necessarily. Treatment depends on the severity of the arthritis and the impact it has on your quality of life.

• Early arthritis: Often responds well to a trial of conservative management — physiotherapy, activity modification, weight management where appropriate, and medications to manage pain and inflammation.
• Injections: Selected patients may benefit from an injection into the hip for temporary symptom relief.
• Severe arthritis: When symptoms become intrusive despite appropriate non-surgical treatment, a total hip replacement may be considered.

During hip replacement surgery, the worn surfaces of the hip joint are replaced with artificial components. The aim is to relieve pain, restore movement, and help patients return to their everyday activities.

Modern Hip Replacement: What's New?

Hip replacement surgery has advanced significantly in recent years, with modern techniques supporting recovery and improved function.

• Robotic-assistance: Allows the surgeon to use three-dimensional planning to determine the optimal implant position based on each patient's anatomy.
• Muscle-sparing, minimally invasive techniques: Aim to reduce unnecessary disruption to the muscles and soft tissues surrounding the hip.
• Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols: At TTSH, these are combined with modern pain management to support early mobilisation and recovery.

Don't Let Hip Pain Hold You Back

Hip pain may be common, but it should not be ignored when it starts affecting your quality of life. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can help you stay active, maintain independence and continue doing the things you enjoy.

Speak to our Orthopaedic Surgery team for a personalised assessment and plan. Get That Checked!