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Types of Hip Arthritis
Posted on 05-09-2025 in Hip, Arthritis & Hip Arthritis by Dr. Matthew Mai
As we continue recognizing National Arthritis Awareness Month, our latest article explores what you should know about hip arthritis, including the most common types and symptoms.
Arthritis develops when the cartilage responsible for covering and protecting the bones of a joint degenerates, causing friction between the bones. As a ball-and-socket joint and one of the largest joints in the body, the hip is particularly prone to arthritis, given the significance of its weight-bearing function.
Osteoarthritis of the Hip
The most common type of arthritis affecting the hip is osteoarthritis (OA), sometimes called "wear and tear" or degenerative arthritis. Those suffering from OA often struggle with everyday tasks like bending over to tie a shoe, rising from a chair or taking a short walk. Several risk factors, including a family history of osteoarthritis, previous hip joint injury, obesity, improper hip joint formation at birth or aging, can worsen this type of arthritis. OA typically affects middle-aged patients.
The most common symptom associated with osteoarthritis is hip pain that develops slowly and worsens over time, although sudden onset is also possible. The pain can be accompanied by stiffness, which may be worse in the morning, or after extended periods of sitting or resting. As the condition progresses, these symptoms may occur with greater frequency impacting the ability to sleep comfortably. OA patients may also experience the following symptoms:
- Pain in the groin or thigh that radiates to the buttocks or knee
- Pain that flares up with brisk activity and/or during rainy weather
- Stiffness in the hip joint that makes it difficult to walk or bend
- "Locking" or "sticking" of the joint and a grinding noise (crepitus) during movement
- Decreased range of motion in the hip that affects the ability to walk
Inflammatory Arthritis of the Hip
Inflammatory arthritis is caused by an overactive immune system. These types of arthritis are categorized as autoimmune disorders and can affect the joints and other organs. The most common types of inflammatory arthritis that cause symptoms in the hip include Rheumatoid arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis and Psoriatic arthritis. Even though gout and pseudogout are not autoimmune in nature, they can also cause symptoms in the hip joint. Unlike osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis affects people of all ages, often showing signs in early adulthood.
Inflammatory arthritis will cause patients to feel pain and stiffness in the hip. However, they may also experience general symptoms throughout the body, such as fever, loss of appetite and fatigue. Additional symptoms may also include:
- Pain that is dull, aching pain in the groin, outer thigh, knee or buttocks
- Limited range of motion
- Pain that is worse in the morning or after extended periods of sitting or resting that lessens with activity
- Pain in the joint severe enough to make walking difficult or cause a limp
If you are experiencing symptoms of hip arthritis, Dr. Matthew Mai is available for consultation to diagnose your condition and provide the best possible treatment options. Please contact our office at 850-916-3700 or complete our online Appointment Request form to schedule a visit with Dr. Mai.
Are you looking for other arthritis-related topics? If so, check out our additional blog posts on Causes & Symptoms of Hand Arthritis, What You Should Know About Wrist Arthritis, Treatment Options for Thumb Arthritis, Diagnosing & Managing Arthritis, Arthritis Treatments, Arthritis & Hyaluronic Acid, Treating Ankle Arthritis and Symptoms of Ankle Arthritis.
Check out some of our related posts:
Diagnosing & Managing Arthritis
Arthritis represents a wide variety of joint inflammation diseases. Patients most often have chronic Arthritis in their wrists, hands, and fingers, experiencing flares of inflammation, soreness or stiffness affecting the joints. As we recently wrapped up Bone & Joint Action Week, this is an excellent opportunity to bring awareness to the most common categories of Arthritis, proactive methods for pain prevention and available treatment solutions.
Arthritis and Hyaluronic Acid
Arthritis literally translates to “inflammation of the joint” and describes the degenerative process through which a joint space loses its “cushioning,” whether are the result of injury, illness or the natural process of aging. It is the leading cause of musculoskeletal pain and can be found in almost every part of the body, from the shoulder all the way down to the smallest joint of the toe. Our joints are intricate structures shaped from cartilage, bone, muscle and connective tissue, all of which can gradually weaken over time or be damaged by acute injury. While there are more than one hundred known types of arthritis, the three most common forms are osteoarthritis, which is by far the most prevalent; rheumatoid arthritis, which is caused by the body’s own immune system generating a chronic inflammatory response in the joints; and post-traumatic arthritis, which is caused by the lingering structural damage of acute injuries.
What You Should Know About Wrist Arthritis
Research from the National Library of Medicine states that one in seven people in the United States suffers from some form of wrist arthritis. That estimate indicates that just over 13% of the American population experiences discomfort, inflammation or limited range in motion due to this condition. As we usher in the month of May and recognize National Arthritis Awareness Month, we want to emphasize wrist arthritis and provide an overview of the condition, symptoms to be aware of, treatment options, and tips for managing its symptoms.