Hip osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis)
What is hip osteoarthritis?
Hip osteoarthritis, medically coxarthrosis, is a degenerative change in the hip joint. The joint cartilage becomes thinner and rougher, so its shock-absorbing and gliding function declines. This can cause friction, inflammatory reactions and pain.
Important: cartilage changes are common with age, and not every change causes pain. What matters is how well the joint is loaded and moved.
Causes and risk factors
An imbalance between the capacity of the joint and the load actually placed on it can favour its development:
- Age-related decline in regeneration
- Genetic predisposition
- Excess weight
- Malalignments (e.g. hip dysplasia, leg axes)
- Previous injuries/operations
- High, one-sided loads
- Lack of exercise
Depending on severity, hip osteoarthritis is divided into four stages (I–IV).
Typical symptoms
Symptoms usually develop gradually:
- Start-up pain after rest (in the morning, after sitting)
- Pain on loading, e.g. when climbing stairs
- A feeling of stiffness and reduced mobility (especially internal rotation/abduction)
- Pain in the groin, sometimes radiating into the buttock or the outer thigh
- Changed gait pattern (limping to protect the hip)
What can you do yourself about hip osteoarthritis?
Hip osteoarthritis is not "curable", but very much open to influence.
1) Load it correctly
Move a lot, with little impact loading:
- Change position often
- Spread the load across the day
- Avoid sitting or standing rigidly for long periods
- Weight management
2) Suitable footwear
- Flat heels
- Slightly cushioned sole
- Good fit, enough room for the toes
- Insoles after analysis if needed
3) Suitable exercise
Recommended:
- Swimming / aqua jogging
- Cycling
- Brisk walking on soft ground
- Targeted strengthening and mobilisation exercises
Temporarily unhelpful:
- Running on hard surfaces
- Sports with abrupt changes of direction
- Jumping sports
4) Nutrition & supportive measures
- Foods rich in omega-3
- Colourful, antioxidant-rich diet
- Enough fluids
How does physiotherapy at KINEO help you with hip osteoarthritis?
The earlier you start, the better the course can be influenced.
Phase 1: pain relief & mobility
- Manual mobilisation
- Myofascial techniques
- Heat/cold depending on findings
- Relieving positions
Phase 2: strength & stability
- Strengthening the gluteal muscles
- Leg axis training
- Trunk stabilisation
- Coordination
Phase 3: everyday life & prevention
- Ergonomics and movement strategies
- Individual home exercise programme
- Long-term load management
Focus appropriate to the stage
- Stage I–II: Build up actively, progression, slow the course
- Stage III–IV: Manage pain, maintain mobility, adapt everyday life
Conclusion: exercise is medicine
With targeted exercise, smart load management and physiotherapy support, you can reduce pain, maintain your mobility and clearly influence the course in a positive way. Book your appointment now!
FAQ: hip osteoarthritis
Can I move despite the pain?
Yes. Joint-friendly movement is central to cartilage nutrition and pain reduction.
Does cycling or swimming make sense?
Yes, both relieve the hip while promoting good movement.
Should I avoid jogging completely?
Not necessarily forever, but pause in painful phases and use alternatives.
Do I need insoles or special shoes?
Sometimes helpful, after an analysis of the foot and leg axis.
When should I start physiotherapy?
As early as possible: the earlier, the better it can be influenced.
