Musculoskeletal Condition · Glastonbury, CT

Hip Osteoarthritis

Hip osteoarthritis can cause groin pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. Learn about symptoms and evaluation with Dr. Tortland in Glastonbury, CT.

Written and clinically reviewed by

Paul D. Tortland, DO, FAOASM, CAQSM, RMSK

Dr. Paul Tortland, DO is a non-surgical orthopedic & sports medicine physician specializing in regenerative orthopedics and surgical alternative treatment. He is dual board-certified in Sports Medicine & Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Regenerative Medicine, Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine. He became the first physician in the world to earn board certification in Regenerative Medicine in 2015. Diplomate, American Board of Regenerative Medicine (ABRM), 2015. Registered in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (RMSK).

Condition

What is hip osteoarthritis?

Hip osteoarthritis (hip arthritis) is wear-related change in the hip joint that can cause groin, thigh or buttock pain, stiffness after rest, and reduced walking or dressing tolerance. Care depends on symptoms, function, imaging and goals; non-surgical care often starts with exercise therapy and activity adjustments.

Considering hip replacement? Read the separate guide to alternatives to hip replacement and when surgery may be the better choice.

Explore related conditions: Browse the Hip condition hub for related diagnoses and treatment options.

CARE OPTIONS

What are treatment options for hip osteoarthritis?

Dr. Tortland’s potential treatment options: Dr. Tortland assesses hip arthritis severity and whether pain is truly from the joint. In selected cases he may discuss PRP treatment or cellular orthobiologics (BMAC/MFAT); evidence is variable and these options do not restore normal cartilage. Patients considering surgery can also review alternatives to hip replacement.

Physical therapy and traditional care: Traditional care often includes physical therapy for strength and mobility, low-impact exercise, activity and load modification, walking aids when needed, and pain-relief medication when medically appropriate. Joint injections may be discussed based on health history and goals.

When other care may be needed: Persistent groin pain, major loss of function, or pain despite non-surgical care warrants an orthopedic discussion. Hip replacement may be appropriate for advanced disease, and eligibility should be assessed by an orthopedic surgeon.

Common questions

Questions about hip osteoarthritis

What causes hip osteoarthritis?

Hip osteoarthritis involves cartilage and joint changes that can develop with age, prior injury, hip-shape differences, genetics or mechanical stress. Scan findings are interpreted alongside symptoms because not every visible joint change causes pain or limits function.

What are the symptoms of hip osteoarthritis?

Symptoms may include groin, thigh or buttock pain, stiffness after rest, reduced range of motion and difficulty with stairs, putting on shoes or walking distances. Pain can resemble back or tendon problems, so examination helps identify the hip joint as the source.

What are the non-surgical treatment options for hip osteoarthritis?

Non-surgical care may include exercise therapy, activity modification, weight management when appropriate, a walking aid if needed, and medication based on individual health risks. Injections may be discussed for selected patients. Treatment depends on arthritis severity, function and personal goals.

What regenerative options may help hip osteoarthritis?

Dr. Tortland may discuss injection treatments, which can include PRP, depending on severity and goals. When an MRI shows a bone marrow lesion beneath the cartilage, intraosseous (into-the-bone) injection may also be considered. When arthritis is advanced, a surgical opinion may be appropriate.