Mr Oni sat at his desk, explaining hip arthritis to an older female patient.

conditions

Hip Arthritis

The most common cause of persistent hip pain in adults, often called "wear and tear." It's very treatable, and surgery isn't always the answer. Mr Oni will talk you through your options.

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What is hip arthritis?

Hip osteoarthritis: cartilage breakdown causing pain and stiffness

Hip arthritis, technically called hip osteoarthritis, occurs when the cartilage that cushions the hip joint gradually breaks down. Without this protective layer, the bones begin to rub against each other - often referred to as 'bone on bone' - causing pain, inflammation, and eventually reduced movement.

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It is extremely common, affecting 1 in 10 adults in the UK, particularly those over 50. Patients often describe it as wear and tear in the hip, or a groin pain they initially mistook for a muscle strain. The good news is that it is well understood and there are effective treatments at every stage.

knee with sports tape across the kneecap

Recognising the condition

Common symptoms of hip arthritis

Hip arthritis pain is usually felt in the groin or the front of the thigh, and sometimes the buttock or down towards the knee. It often starts gradually - stiffness first thing in the morning, discomfort on walking, and aching at night - before becoming more constant. These are the signs and symptoms patients most commonly notice.

Groin or thigh pain

Aching or sharp pain felt deep in the groin or front of the thigh, often worse when bearing weight.

Morning stiffness

The hip feels stiff first thing in the morning or after sitting, easing once you get moving.

Reduced range of movement

Difficulty rotating the hip, putting on shoes and socks, or getting in and out of a car.

Pain that disturbs sleep

Discomfort when lying on the affected side, sometimes waking you during the night.

A limp or altered walk

Favouring the leg or developing a limp as the joint becomes more painful to load.

Grinding or clicking

A sensation of grating, clicking or catching as the worn surfaces move against each other.

Pain after activity

A dull ache that builds during or after walking, standing or exercise and settles with rest.

Loss of everyday function

Struggling with stairs, longer walks or standing for long periods as the condition progresses.

Many of these symptoms overlap with other conditions - including hip bursitis, groin strains, and referred pain from the spine. An accurate diagnosis from a specialist is essential before any treatment is started. Mr Oni will identify the cause at your first appointment.

The exact cause of hip arthritis is not fully understood, but several factors increase the likelihood of developing it. Age is the most significant - the cartilage in all joints gradually thins over time, which is why it is most common in adults over 50.

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Other contributing factors include previous hip injury or fracture, being overweight (which increases load on the joint), genetics, and repetitive occupational strain. In some patients, structural problems with the hip present from birth, such as hip dysplasia, can accelerate cartilage damage.

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Osteoarthritis (wear and tear) is by far the most common type. Less common forms include rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis following injury.

Osteoarthritis

The most common type. Gradual deterioration of the cartilage over a long period of time, it affects the majority of patients Mr Oni sees.

Post-traumatic arthritis

Not as common. Arthritis that develops following a hip fracture, dislocation or previous surgery, this can occur at any age.

Inflammatory arthritis

Less common. Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can affect the hip at a younger age and progress differently.

causes and types

What causes hip arthritis?

MR Oni manipulating the hip of a man lying on his medical couch.

how mr oni Helps

diagnosis & Next Steps

Getting the diagnosis right comes first. Mr Oni takes the time to understand exactly what's causing your hip pain before recommending anything, so your next steps are built on a clear picture, not assumptions.

01

consultation

A thorough consultation reviewing your symptoms, movement, and any existing imaging. No assumptions, no rushed conclusions.

02

clinical examination

A hands-on assessment of the joint - checking movement, strength and what triggers your pain - to understand exactly what's going on.

03

imaging

Where needed, an X-ray or scan to confirm the diagnosis and see the joint clearly, so nothing is left to guesswork.

04

treatment plan

Every option considered. From load management and physiotherapy to further investigations and surgical options. A plan built around your lifestyle and goals, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.

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with the right treatment

life after treatment

Return to activity

Walking, golf, cycling, gardening - the things you've been missing become possible again as pain and stiffness ease.

Sleeping through the night

With the pain that once disturbed your sleep settled, most patients rest properly again.

Independence restored

Everyday things - stairs, shoes and socks, getting in and out of the car - become easy again.

Reduced need for pain relief

As the joint improves, most patients rely far less on painkillers and anti-inflammatories.

Recognising the condition

How hip arthritis is treated

Hip arthritis can often be treated without surgery, and most people start at the gentler end. Mr Oni recommends the least invasive option likely to work for you - weight management and physiotherapy first, then specialist injections to ease pain and inflammation, with joint replacement considered only when it's genuinely the best step. Explore the options below.

related treatments

Hip Replacement

Replacing the worn hip joint with a durable implant to relieve pain and restore movement.

Hip Replacement
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Mr Oni manipulating a medical model of a hip joint on his desk in front of a computer screen.
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Patient Stories

Hear from patients who have undergone investigations and treatments for their hip and knee problems with Mr Oni.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Mr Richard M.

Mr Oni explained everything clearly and the whole process was faultless. I was walking the corridors within two days and driving again in a fortnight. The scar is so neat you can hardly see it.

Treatment

Hip Replacement

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Mr Robert F.

Mr Oni and the team were very professional throughout. The recovery was tough, but I stuck to the exercises and only needed over-the-counter painkillers. Two months on, I completed a nine-mile bike ride.

Treatment

Robotic Knee Replacement

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ms Liz.

Mr Oni and Libby are a really good team and made me feel completely comfortable. I'd been limping for a year, but almost marched into my follow-up. I've got my life back.

Treatment

Arthrosamid Injection

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Mr Tony G.

Mr Oni gave me real confidence going into surgery, and I cannot fault my experience. I'm back to walking the dogs, gardening and farm work. The steep hills that once bothered me, now I don't even notice.

Treatment

Robotic Knee Replacement

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ms Zoe G.

Mr Oni and the team were incredibly supportive, kind and patient. I was walking with a frame the same day and dressing myself the next morning. Within two weeks I could pick my daughter up from school.

Treatment

Hip Replacement

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Mr Ian F.

Mr Oni recommended the Arthrosamid injection and everything has been brilliant. Two weeks later I was rotovating the garden for two hours. It felt like some sort of miracle, I didn't notice I'd had bad knees.

Treatment

Arthrosamid Injection

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Take the next step

Book a consultation to discuss your hip pain

Mr Oni will review your X-rays, assess your hip, and give you an honest recommendation - whether that's surgery, an injection, or simply more time. No pressure, no assumptions.

Book your Consultation
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locations

Mr Oni consults and operates at several leading private hospitals across the region, so you can choose the location most convenient for you.

Exterior Image of The Horder Centre Crowborough East Sussex

The Horder Centre

St John's Road
Crowborough
East Sussex
TN6 1XP

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Exterior Image of the Nuffield Health Private Hospital in Tunbridge Wells

Nuffield Health

Kingswood Road
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN2 4UL

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Exterior Image of the Vale Health Clinic in Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Vale Health Clinic

31-33 Vale Road
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN1 1BS

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Frequently asked questions

It can, gradually, but the pace varies a lot from person to person, and the right treatment can slow it down and keep you comfortable for years. Being assessed early simply gives you more options.

Yes, for many patients. Weight management, physiotherapy and specialist injections can control symptoms for a long time, and Mr Oni only recommends surgery when these no longer give you enough relief.

Mr Oni will assess your symptoms and examine the hip, usually alongside an X-ray. In some cases further imaging such as an MRI, or blood tests if inflammatory arthritis is suspected, may be arranged to confirm the diagnosis.

Yes. Mr Oni is recognised by the major private medical insurers, and self-pay options are available too, so your costs are clear from the outset.

Depending on your case, options can include steroid injections and, in some cases, other specialist injections to ease pain and inflammation. Mr Oni will explain which is most appropriate for you.

It is not usually an emergency, but pain that disturbs sleep or limits daily activity is a sign it is worth being assessed. Earlier advice gives you more treatment options.

get in touch

Book your initial
consultation

See Mr Oni at The Horder Centre, The Nuffield Hospital or The Vale Health Clinic.

Fill in the form below or get in touch directly:

Email: libby.gibbs@horder.co.uk

Call: 01892 362736

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Mr Oni walking with his practice manager in a hospital corridor
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