Common Symptoms of Hip Joint Arthritis
Summary: Are your hip pain symptoms actually originating in your knee or groin? Hip arthritis is more than just a localized ache; it is a progressive “wearing-away” of cartilage that frequently presents with radiated pain and subtle mobility issues. Orthopaedic specialist Dr. Cory Calendine identifies the Top 8 symptoms of hip arthritis, including intermittent groin pain, morning stiffness, difficulty putting on socks, and a noticeable limping gait. Early and correct diagnosis is critical to prevent severe joint damage. Learn how a physical exam and simple X-rays can reveal joint space narrowing and bone spurs, guiding you toward treatments that restore your quality of life.
updated April, 2026 by Cory Calendine, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Hip and Knee Specialist
Hip arthritis can cause pain and mobility problems, but treatments are available that can restore quality of life. Because hip arthritis can present with symptoms other than pain in the hip, I frequently see patients who have had arthritis for a long time and do not recognize it. The goal of correctly diagnosing hip arthritis early is to prevent severe damage to the joint and improve daily function.
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint covered by a slippery surface referred to as articular cartilage. Cartilage creates a smooth surface that helps with joint movement with minimal friction. Arthritis is the “wearing-away” of the cartilage surface and can cause joint pain and stiffness. Although arthritis commonly occurs in both in most patients, one hip joint symptoms are worse than the other.
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Top 8 Symptoms of Hip Arthritis
Hip arthritis often presents in patients as intermittent pain and difficulty completing certain basic daily activities like putting on socks or getting out of bed. People with hip arthritis tend to experience progressively worsening joint pain and decreased hip joint range of motion.
Although some patients deal with symptoms for several years before seeking medical attention, hip arthritis can have a rapid onset and cause loss of range of motion of the hips rather quickly. I have seen some patients progress from seeing no signs of hip arthritis to needing a joint replacement in less than 24 months time.
Hip arthritis pain is often felt in the groin or thigh and can even radiate down to the knee, making early diagnosis essential.While localized pain in the hip region is a common symptom of hip joint arthritis, it is important to understand other symptoms that may be a warning sign of worsening hip arthritis. Additional or alternative symptoms of hip arthritis can include:
- Pain in the groin or thigh that radiates to the knee, outer thigh or buttocks
- Pain that is worse in the morning or after sitting for an extended time
- Hip pain triggered by vigorous activity
- Limping increased difficulty walking
- Sticking or locking of the hip joint
- Difficulty getting out of a car, up from the ground or other low position
- Pain when leaning forward
- Grinding joint sensation/noises with movement
A patient with hip arthritis can typically expect to experience worsening pain over time. Joint symptoms often begin as mild and intermittent and progressively occur with more frequency and severity.
Early and Correct Diagnosis is Important
Effect joint arthritis treatment starts with correct diagnosis as early in the disease process as possible. Patients experiencing any of the symptoms listed above on a regular or frequent basis should consider evaluation by a qualified medical provider. During an initial medical appointment, your medical provider will discuss your symptoms and medical history, conduct a physical examination, and possibly order diagnostic tests, such as x-rays.
Initial Medical Examination
During the physical examination, your doctor will look for:
- Tenderness around the hip, back, groin or additional joints
- Range of passive (assisted) and active (self-directed) motion
- Crepitus (a grating sensation inside the joint) with movement
- Pain when pressure is placed on the hip
- Problems with your gait (the way you walk)
- Any signs of injury to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the hip
Imaging Tests for Hip Joint Pain
X-rays. are the most common imaging tests ordered initially for complaints of joint pain. Xrays provide detailed pictures of dense structures, such as bones. X-rays of an arthritic hip may show a narrowing of the joint space, changes in the bone, and the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes).
Other imaging tests less commonly ordered for joint pain symptoms include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans or computerized tomography (CT) scans. CT and MRI provide a more detailed image of the joint and are sometimes needed to better determine the condition of the bone and soft tissues of your hip.
Hip Arthritis is Often More Than Hip Pain
Arthritis changes of the hip joint can produce pain in areas other than just the hip (groin, thigh, knee). If you have experienced joint pain that is progressive and/or associated limited range of motion and function, early and correct diagnosis is important to prevent possible progressive joint damage. Contact our office if it’s time to discuss the full range of treatment options available for hip arthritis.
RELATED VIDEO: What Is Arthritis? Cory Calendine, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon
