About this condition
Coxarthrosis is osteoarthritis of the hip joint, which can cause pain, stiffness and reduced range of movement. Not every ache in the groin or thigh comes from arthritis, so a clinical diagnosis matters.
What you should know
The hip carries weight in walking and daily activities. Pain severity does not always match a single imaging finding. The most useful plan considers function, other health conditions and the person’s goals.
Symptoms and reasons for assessment
Pain is often felt in the groin, thigh or buttock and may worsen after walking or getting up from a chair. Putting on shoes, climbing stairs or getting into a car can become difficult; symptoms may also disturb sleep.
Other possible explanations
Hip pain may come from muscles, tendons, bursae, the lumbar spine or other conditions. A fall, infection or fracture requires a different pathway from routine osteoarthritis care.
How the problem is assessed
The clinician asks about pain location, morning stiffness, injuries, activity and other diseases, then examines walking and hip movement. Radiographs or further tests may be chosen to clarify the diagnosis and exclude other causes.
Treatment and follow-up options
Management may include tailored strengthening and mobility exercises, graded activity, load adjustment, walking aids and medication where suitable. If substantial pain and loss of function persist despite conservative care, referral for an orthopaedic opinion may be appropriate. Massage does not regrow destroyed cartilage.
When urgent care is needed
Severe pain after a fall, inability to put weight on the leg, a hot swollen hip with fever or rapid deterioration requires urgent assessment. For a major injury or life-threatening condition, call 103.
Related health information
Back pain radiating into an arm or leg; Vertebrologist consultation.
Signs and symptoms
Diagnosis and tests
Care and treatment approaches
When to seek urgent care
Frequently asked questions
Does groin pain always mean hip osteoarthritis?
No. Other hip, muscle or spinal conditions can cause similar pain.
Is hip replacement always necessary?
No. Conservative care may be suitable, while an orthopaedic surgeon assesses indications for an operation when needed.
Can manual therapy restore worn hip cartilage?
No. It does not regenerate cartilage and should not replace an accurate diagnosis and evidence-based care.
Information sources
Medical source links used when preparing this article.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
