Living With Arthritis
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Hip arthritis symptoms

Hip osteoarthritis usually starts as a deep ache in the groin or front of the hip, often mistaken for knee or thigh pain. Morning stiffness usually eases within about 30 minutes of moving.

Common symptoms of hip arthritis

  • Deep groin or front-of-hip ache that worsens with walking or standing from a chair
  • Stiffness after sitting or first thing in the morning
  • Pain putting on socks, shoes or clipping toenails
  • Outer-hip or buttock ache that can travel to the knee
  • A limp or shorter stride after longer walks
  • Night pain that wakes you when you roll onto the painful side

When to see your GP

See your GP if groin pain has lasted more than a few weeks, wakes you at night, or is stopping you walking usual distances. Ask about physiotherapy and, if night pain or limp is severe, whether imaging is needed.

Where to go next

  • What is osteoarthritis? — How to recognise osteoarthritis symptoms, when to see a GP, NICE-aligned treatment, exercises and diet. Plain-English help written for patients.
  • 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? — UK guide to psoriatic arthritis: the link between psoriasis and joint inflammation, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and self-care.
  • What is gout? — UK guide to gout: uric acid crystals, sudden severe joint pain, allopurinol treatment after repeat attacks, diet and alcohol changes.
  • What is ankylosing spondylitis? — UK guide to ankylosing spondylitis: inflammatory back pain, morning stiffness, diagnosis, daily exercise, physio 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.

This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

What are the first signs of hip arthritis?

The earliest signs of hip arthritis often include joint pain, stiffness — particularly in the morning or after rest — and reduced flexibility in the affected area. Symptoms typically develop gradually, so keep a short symptom diary and speak to your GP if pain persists for more than a few weeks.

How is hip arthritis diagnosed in the UK?

In the UK, GPs diagnose hip arthritis from your symptoms, a clinical examination, and — where appropriate — blood tests, X-rays, ultrasound or MRI. For inflammatory types, your GP may refer you to UK healthcare rheumatology for specialist review under NICE guidance.

Can hip oa symptoms come and go?

Yes. Many people with hip oa experience flares — periods of worse pain, swelling and stiffness — followed by quieter spells. Tracking your flares helps you and your GP spot triggers and adjust treatment.

When should I see a GP about hip arthritis symptoms?

Book a GP appointment if joint pain has lasted more than a few weeks, is interfering with sleep or daily life, or is accompanied by swelling, warmth, locking or unexplained fatigue. Early assessment leads to better long-term outcomes.

Is hip arthritis the same as general arthritis pain?

No — there are over 100 forms of arthritis, and hip arthritis has its own pattern of symptoms, affected joints and treatment pathway. Getting the right diagnosis matters because the most effective treatments differ between conditions.