If the bone does not heal properly, the joint may slowly wear down, and osteoarthritis may develop. Pain is the most frequent symptom for patients with hip arthritis. The pain is usually described as being in the groin, buttocks, thigh or occasionally the knee. The pain is frequently associated with activity and relieved by rest. It may occur at night and, in severe cases, prevent sleep.
Patients also complain of stiffness and often limp when they walk.
Diagnosis Your doctor diagnoses osteoarthritis by performing a complete physical examination, and will ask you about your past medical history, including health problems, medication history, and family history. As with any other diseases, early diagnosis increases the chances of treatment success. Your doctor will also obtain an x-ray to assess the condition of your hip. This allows the patient to weight-bear and walk better. Arthroplasty entails replacing the hip joint with an artificial femoral head or part of the femur with an artificial stem.