{"id":7362,"date":"2025-12-17T09:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T09:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lojaortopedica.pt\/blog\/?p=7362"},"modified":"2025-12-18T09:22:33","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T09:22:33","slug":"hip-osteoarthritis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lojaortopedica.pt\/blog\/en\/hip-osteoarthritis\/","title":{"rendered":"Hip Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Causes and How to Relieve Hip Pain"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hip osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint diseases of the hip, especially after the age of 50. It is a degenerative condition that affects the cartilage of the hip joint, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. Understanding what hip osteoarthritis is, how it progresses and which treatments are available is essential to maintaining mobility and reducing the impact of this condition on daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is hip osteoarthritis?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Hip osteoarthritis is a form of osteoarthritis that affects the hip joint, resulting in the progressive wear of the cartilage that covers the head of the femur and the acetabulum. This cartilage acts as a cushion that allows the hip to move smoothly. When it deteriorates, the bones begin to rub together, causing pain and inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The condition may present unilaterally or as bilateral hip osteoarthritis when both hips are affected. In either case, progression is gradual but has a significant impact on mobility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hip osteoarthritis symptoms: how to recognise the signs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Symptoms of hip osteoarthritis evolve slowly and may initially be mistaken for muscle pain. The most common signs include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Groin pain<\/strong>: Pain typically appears in the groin area and may radiate to the thigh, buttocks and knee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Morning stiffness<\/strong>: Loss of mobility upon waking is one of the most common symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Difficulty with simple movements<\/strong>: Activities such as climbing stairs, sitting, standing up or walking longer distances become harder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Clicking or grinding sensation<\/strong>: Cartilage wear can cause internal noises during movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Limping (gait alteration)<\/strong>: Persistent pain often leads people to change the way they walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Causes of hip osteoarthritis<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Hip osteoarthritis is multifactorial, but its main causes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ageing<\/strong> \u2013 Natural joint wear increases with age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Genetics<\/strong> \u2013 Family history increases the risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Obesity<\/strong> \u2013 Excess weight adds pressure to the hip joints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Previous trauma or fractures<\/strong> \u2013 Injuries can damage cartilage and accelerate degeneration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Congenital abnormalities<\/strong> \u2013 Conditions such as hip dysplasia may lead to early osteoarthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Repetitive overload<\/strong> \u2013 Certain jobs and sports involving repeated movements can accelerate joint degeneration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stages of hip osteoarthritis<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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The progression of hip osteoarthritis is usually classified into four stages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stage 1 \u2013 Mild<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Initial cartilage wear, occasional pain and minimal limitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stage 2 \u2013 Moderate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

More frequent pain, stiffness and early mobility loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stage 3 \u2013 Advanced<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Significant reduction of joint space, constant pain and difficulty walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stage 4 \u2013 Severe<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Complete cartilage degeneration, bone-on-bone contact and extreme hip limitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Identifying the stages of hip osteoarthritis helps determine the most appropriate treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How is hip osteoarthritis diagnosed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Diagnosis involves:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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