There are several types of arthritis, one of which, osteoarthritis, affects more than 16 million Americans. It is the single most common cause of lost time from work and leisure activity. Osteoarthritis causes permanent deterioration of the cartilage layers that shield the joint from impact. Because cartilage cannot repair or replenish itself, it begins to crack, wear away, and eventually disappear. The bones in advanced cases become rough and pitted from grinding against each other.
Bone spurs form at the edges of the bones changing the shape and contributing to stiffness.
In the first stages of osteoarthritis, you may begin to feel stiffness or achiness in the hip. Soon, you may begin to feel pain in your joint. One leg may feel shorter than the other when walking or standing. Sometimes, the discomfort of an arthritic hip will first present itself as a shooting pain through the groin, thigh or knee that is severe enough to make you stop and catch your breath. Eventually, your mobility may become limited and you may need to alter your lifestyle to accommodate the arthritic hip.