Hip Osteoarthritis (Hip OA): Symptoms, Treatment & Injection Therapy in Bristol, Yate and South Gloucestershire
anatomy of Hip Joint OA
Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of hip pain, particularly in adults over the age of 50. It is a degenerative joint condition that develops gradually over time as the protective cartilage lining the hip joint begins to wear away. As the cartilage becomes thinner, the bones begin to rub against one another, leading to pain, stiffness, reduced mobility and inflammation.
At Elite Joint Solutions, we regularly assess and treat patients with hip osteoarthritis from Iron Acton, Yate, Chipping Sodbury, Winterbourne, Frampton Cotterell, Coalpit Heath, Bristol and the surrounding areas. Our aim is always to reduce pain, improve mobility and delay or even avoid surgery whenever possible through a bespoke treatment programme.
What is Hip Osteoarthritis?
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball (head of the femur) fits into the socket of the pelvis (acetabulum). Both surfaces are covered with smooth articular cartilage which allows the hip to move freely with very little friction.
In osteoarthritis this cartilage gradually deteriorates.
As the disease progresses:
The cartilage becomes thinner.
The joint space narrows.
The underlying bone becomes thicker (subchondral sclerosis).
Bone spurs (osteophytes) may develop.
Low-grade inflammation develops within the joint.
The surrounding muscles often become weaker and tighter.
These changes lead to increasing pain and stiffness that can significantly affect quality of life.
What Causes Hip Osteoarthritis?
Hip OA usually develops gradually over many years.
Common risk factors include:
Increasing age
Previous hip injuries
Family history
Being overweight
Heavy manual occupations
Previous sporting injuries
Hip dysplasia
Reduced muscle strength around the pelvis
Many patients develop OA without a single obvious cause.
Common Symptoms
Hip osteoarthritis can present differently from one patient to another.
Common symptoms include:
Pain in the groin
Pain over the buttock
Pain travelling into the thigh
Difficulty putting socks and shoes on
Pain getting in and out of a car
Difficulty walking long distances
Morning stiffness
Pain climbing stairs
Pain after prolonged sitting
Reduced range of movement
Night pain in more advanced cases
Many patients notice they begin limping as the condition progresses.
Diagnosing Hip Osteoarthritis
At Elite Joint Solutions we perform a comprehensive assessment which includes:
Detailed medical history
Movement assessment
Muscle strength testing
Hip range of movement assessment
Pelvic and lumbar spine assessment
Gait analysis
Where appropriate we may recommend an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis.
It is important to remember that the severity seen on an X-ray does not always match the amount of pain experienced. Some patients with severe arthritis have relatively little pain, while others with mild changes can be significantly affected.
Conservative Treatment for Mild to Moderate Hip OA
Most patients do not require surgery immediately.
In the earlier stages we focus on reducing pain, improving movement and helping patients remain active.
Treatment may include:
Exercise Therapy
Exercise remains the cornerstone of treatment.
We commonly prescribe exercises aimed at improving:
Hip mobility
Gluteal strength
Core stability
Balance
Walking mechanics
General fitness
Strong muscles around the hip help reduce the forces passing through the joint during everyday activities.
Pain Relief Medication
Medication may also help improve symptoms.
Depending on your medical history, options may include:
Paracetamol
Anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs)
Topical anti-inflammatory gels
Prescription pain medication where appropriate
At Elite Joint Solutions, as qualified independent prescribers, we can discuss the most appropriate medication options for suitable patients.
Many patients with hip osteoarthritis also develop stiffness throughout the pelvis, lower back and surrounding muscles.
Our physiotherapy treatment may include:
Joint mobilisation
Soft tissue massage
Muscle release techniques
Stretching programmes
Pelvic alignment assessment
Lumbar spine mobilisation where appropriate
Although physiotherapy cannot reverse arthritis, releasing tight muscles and improving joint movement can often provide meaningful pain relief and improve walking ability.
Treatment is always tailored to the individual rather than using a "one-size-fits-all" approach.
Steroid injection for hip arthritis hyaluronic acid injections for osteoarthritis assessment of Hip OA
When symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, injection therapy may be an excellent option.
At Elite Joint Solutions we offer:
Corticosteroid injections
Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections
Combined corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections for selected patients
Corticosteroid Injection
Steroid injections help reduce inflammation within the hip joint and often provide relatively rapid pain relief.
Many patients experience improvements lasting several weeks to several months, although results vary between individuals.
Hyaluronic Acid Injection
Hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant and shock absorber within the joint.
Potential benefits include:
Reduced pain
Improved mobility
Improved walking tolerance
Longer-lasting symptom relief in suitable patients
Some patients report benefit lasting between 6–12 months, although responses vary.
One treatment we commonly use is a combined corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injection.
The rationale is that:
The corticosteroid may provide quicker pain relief by reducing inflammation.
The hyaluronic acid may provide longer-term lubrication and cushioning within the joint.
We have seen encouraging outcomes in many of our patients using this approach, particularly in individuals wishing to delay surgery or those who are not suitable candidates for a hip replacement. As with all treatments, results vary and no injection can guarantee symptom relief.
When is Hip Replacement Needed?
As arthritis progresses, the joint may eventually become too damaged for conservative treatments to provide adequate relief.
A hip replacement should be considered when:
Pain becomes severe
Walking is significantly limited
Sleep is regularly disturbed
Daily activities become difficult
Conservative treatments have failed
Modern hip replacement surgery has excellent long-term outcomes, with many patients returning to walking, golf, cycling and other recreational activities following rehabilitation.
At Elite Joint Solutions, our role is to help you make an informed decision and ensure that surgery is considered at the appropriate stage—not too early and not too late.
Why Choose Elite Joint Solutions?
At Elite Joint Solutions we offer a comprehensive approach to managing hip osteoarthritis.
Our treatment may include:
Comprehensive assessment
Bespoke exercise programmes
Hands-on physiotherapy
Manual therapy
Medication advice and prescribing where appropriate
Corticosteroid injections
Hyaluronic acid injections
Combined injection therapy
Advice regarding surgery where necessary
With over 20 years of musculoskeletal experience, our aim is always to provide the most appropriate treatment plan for each individual patient.
Take the First Step Towards Less Hip Pain
Whether your hip pain has only recently started or you have been living with osteoarthritis for many years, early assessment and appropriate treatment can make a significant difference.
If you're struggling with hip pain in Iron Acton, Yate, Chipping Sodbury, Winterbourne, Frampton Cotterell, Coalpit Heath or Bristol, we'd be delighted to help.
Contact Elite Joint Solutions today to arrange your assessment and discuss the most appropriate treatment options for you. Home
Key References
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Osteoarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management (NG226), 2022.
Osteoarthritis Research Society International. International guidelines for the non-surgical management of osteoarthritis.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Clinical Practice Guideline: Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hip.
Bannuru RR, et al. OARSI Guidelines for the Non-Surgical Management of Knee, Hip, and Polyarticular Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2019.
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