Hip and Knee

Osteoarthritis of the Hip

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Treatment

While you can't reverse the effects of osteoarthritis, early treatment may help you avoid pain and disability and slow progression of the disease. Surgery may help if your condition is already severe.

If you have early stages of osteoarthritis of the hip, the first treatments may include:

• Resting your hip from overuse
• Following a physical therapy program of gentle, regular exercise like swimming, water aerobics or cycling to keep your joint functioning and improve its strength and range of motion
• Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen for pain
• Getting enough sleep each night

In later stages of osteoarthritis, your hip joint hurts when you rest at night or your hip may be severely deformed. Your doctor may recommend total hip replacement surgery or arthroplasty. A two-piece ball and socket will replace your hip joint. This will cure your pain and improve your ability to walk. You may need crutches or a walker for a time after surgery. Rehabilitation is important to restore your hip's flexibility and to work your muscles back into shape.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007