Hip osteoarthritis (OA)
Hip osteoarthritis often presents as groin pain, stiffness and reduced walking tolerance. Many people improve with progressive strengthening, mobility work and smart load management. Where clinically appropriate, a hip injection may reduce pain to help you exercise more effectively.
Common symptoms
- Groin pain (sometimes radiating to the thigh or knee)
- Stiffness when starting to walk, getting out of a car or standing after sitting
- Reduced hip rotation and difficulty with stairs
- Night discomfort on the affected side
Diagnosis and imaging
Clinical assessment is key. X‑ray is commonly used to assess OA changes. Diagnostic ultrasound can help assess surrounding soft tissues (tendons, bursae) and guide injections where appropriate, although the hip joint itself is deep.
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
- Strength: glutes, hip abductors, quads, calf, trunk
- Mobility: hip flexion/rotation as tolerated; avoid aggressive stretching into sharp pain
- Load: walking plan, cycling/swimming options, flare‑up strategy
- Education: flare vs harm, pacing, sleep positioning
Injection options (when clinically appropriate)
- Corticosteroid injection: can reduce inflammation‑driven pain and improve function short‑term.
- Hyaluronic acid injection: may help symptom control in selected patients; evidence varies.
Local keywords (for search)
hip osteoarthritis Birmingham, hip pain clinic Coventry, hip injection Birmingham Kings Heath, ultrasound guided hip injection Midlands, private physiotherapy Rugby, MSK clinic Wolverhampton, diagnostic ultrasound Nuneaton.