Arthritis, a term meaning inflammation of the joint, is a very common cause of hip pain. As a progressive disorder, arthritis pain begins gradually and worsens over time.

Osteoarthritis is a term meaning "arthritis of the bone." It is a common condition linked to aging. As a "wear and tear" type of arthritis, it can occur in any bodily joint but most often occurs in the hip or other weight-bearing joints.

The hip joint, a ball-shaped end of the thigh bone (femoral head), fits into the hip socket (acetabular socket). The interior is comprised of smooth cartilage that facilitates easy joint movement. When the smooth cartilage wears away, the rough surfaces of the ball-and-socket rub against each other. Grinding of bone on bone results in pain and can lead to a total degeneration of joints, causing permanent damage.

Osteoarthritis of the hip can occur due to advanced age, obesity, past injury or damage to the hip, or as a result of hip dysplasia (structural problems with the hip joint).

Signs and Symptoms

• Groin, thigh, or joint pain, which can radiate to the knee or buttocks
• Pain intensifies in rainy weather or with vigorous activity
• Grinding noise during movement caused by loose cartilage, which prevents smooth hip motions
• Stiffness or locking of the joint
• Difficulty walking or decreased range of motion in the hip