Hip arthritis is joint damage — usually osteoarthritis — of the hip, causing groin or buttock pain, stiffness and difficulty putting on socks or shoes. Physio-led strengthening, weight management and, when severe, hip replacement (over 100,000 done in the UK each year) provide long-term relief.
Where to go next
What is osteoarthritis? — UK osteoarthritis guide: what to do now, red flags, NICE NG226 diagnosis and core treatments, safe pain relief, exercise, aids, flares and when to see your GP.
What is rheumatoid arthritis? — Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the UK: early symptoms, GP referral, DMARDs, flares and self-care — a plain-English guide for patients.
What is psoriatic arthritis? — Psoriasis plus sore, swollen joints? Learn the early signs of psoriatic arthritis, when to see a GP, and NICE-backed treatment and self-care.
What is gout? — Sudden, very painful swollen joint? Learn gout symptoms, common triggers, diet changes, allopurinol treatment and when to see a GP.
What is ankylosing spondylitis? — Back pain and morning stiffness under 45? Learn the signs of ankylosing spondylitis, when to see a GP, exercise and biologic treatment.
What is juvenile arthritis? — UK guide to juvenile idiopathic arthritis: signs in children under 16, diagnosis, paediatric rheumatology care and DMARD treatment.
What is fibromyalgia? — UK guide to fibromyalgia: widespread pain, fatigue, fibro fog and sleep problems, plus NICE-recommended exercise, CBT and pacing.
What is lupus? — UK guide to lupus (SLE): joint pain, butterfly rash, fatigue and sun sensitivity, plus hydroxychloroquine treatment and self-care.
What is knee arthritis? — Stiff, painful knees? Plain-English guide to knee arthritis: symptoms, exercises that help, treatment options and when to see a GP.
What is hand arthritis? — Painful, stiff fingers or weak grip? Learn the causes of hand arthritis, exercises, daily tips and when to see a GP. Reviewed by a physio.
What is shoulder arthritis? — UK guide to shoulder arthritis: glenohumeral & AC joint OA, rotator cuff arthropathy, symptoms, treatment and exercises.
What is elbow arthritis? — UK guide to elbow pain and arthritis: causes of elbow joint pain, tennis and golfer's elbow, osteoarthritis, the best gentle exercises and when to see a GP.
Is my back pain caused by arthritis? — How to tell if back pain could be arthritis: wear-related spinal changes vs inflammatory back pain (axial SpA), self-help that works, red flags and when to see a GP.
Last updated 2026-07-01. This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does hip arthritis feel like?
Most people feel a deep ache in the groin or front of the hip that worsens with walking, standing up from a chair, or putting on socks. Stiffness is common after sitting and first thing in the morning, usually easing within 30 minutes of moving.
How do I relieve hip pain while sleeping?
Sleep on your back or on the unaffected side with a firm pillow between your knees to keep the hips aligned. A medium-firm mattress, a warm bath before bed, and a topical NSAID gel applied to the hip help reduce night pain. Avoid sleeping on the painful side and don't tuck your top knee in front of the bottom one — it twists the joint.
What is the best exercise for hip arthritis?
Glute and hip-abductor strengthening (bridges, clams, side-lying leg raises) combined with low-impact cardio such as cycling, swimming or pool walking is the most evidence-based approach. NICE recommends exercise as a core treatment for everyone with hip OA.
Should I keep walking with hip arthritis?
Yes. Regular walking strengthens the muscles that support the hip and reduces pain over time. Build up gradually, wear cushioned shoes, and use a walking pole in the hand opposite to the painful hip to offload the joint by up to 25%.
When is a hip replacement needed?
Hip replacement is usually considered when pain disturbs sleep, severely limits walking or daily activity, and conservative measures (exercise, weight management, painkillers, injections) have not worked over several months. UK outcomes are excellent — over 95% of hip replacements still function well at 10 years.
Does losing weight help hip arthritis?
Yes. The hip carries roughly three times body weight when walking and up to five times when climbing stairs, so even small weight loss meaningfully reduces joint load and pain.