Hip Arthritis

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, our specialist Orthopaedic consultants work collaboratively to evaluate your condition and provide hip arthritis treatment. Our private clinic is facilitated with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, allowing our team to identify the underlying cause of hip arthritis and build a personalised plan for care.

    • There are two main forms of hip arthritis. Most commonly, patients present with osteoarthritis. This involves the gradual wear and tear of the cartilage within the hip joint, resulting in pain and, in some cases, significant functional limitation. Osteoarthritis often affects one side of the body.

      Alternatively, hip arthritis may be caused by inflammatory arthritis. This form can affect multiple joints and occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue. It is more commonly seen in women, smokers, and individuals with certain genetics.

    • Common hip arthritis symptoms are: 

      • Pain in the buttock or groin

      • Stiffness of the leg or hip

      • Reduced range of motion

      • Grinding or clicking sensation 

      • Limping 

      • Difficulty bending down 

      If left untreated, hip arthritis can lead to permanent, irreversible damage. Our consultants provide a thorough clinical evaluation to assess the severity of your condition and guide appropriate treatment.

       

    • Osteoarthritis is most commonly caused by natural wear and tear of the hip cartilage. Although this usually happens as people age, some people’s cartilage wears down more rapidly than others. 

      Risk factors for developing hip arthritis include: 

      • Ageing

      • Sports or occupations that involve stress to the hip

      • Frequently carrying excess weight

      • Previous injuries or surgery (this is called stress-arthritis)

      • Hip impingement

      • Hip dysplasia

      • Family history of arthritis

      Hip arthritis can affect individuals of all ages. Early assessment can help clarify the cause of symptoms and support quick recovery.

       

    • At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, diagnosis is led by experienced orthopaedic specialists, supported by a multidisciplinary team when appropriate.

      Your consultation will include a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle factors, and any family history of joint conditions. A comprehensive physical examination of the hip will also be performed.

      Diagnostic investigations may include:

      • X-rays – to assess joint space narrowing and structural changes

      • MRI scans – to evaluate soft tissues and detect inflammation or early joint damage

      • CT scans – used selectively, particularly when surgical planning is required

      Where inflammatory arthritis is suspected, collaboration with rheumatology specialists ensures a fully integrated and accurate diagnosis, supporting a personalised treatment strategy.

    • Hip arthritis treatment is not a one-size-fits-all, due to the varying stages of the condition. Your Mayo Clinic specialist will create a personalised treatment plan tailored to optimise your symptoms, minimise your risk, and support your long-term health and well-being.

      Often, treatment for hip arthritis looks like:

      Self management:

      These are the most important and often effective early treatments:

      • Exercise & physiotherapy: strengthens muscles and improves joint function

      • Weight loss (if overweight): reduces pressure on the hip

      • Activity modification: avoid overloading the joint

      • Hot/cold packs for pain relief

      • Supportive footwear: look for trainers with good cushioning 

      Medications

      Over-the-counter medications may be used to help reduce pain and inflammation:

      • Paracetamol

      • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen), where appropriate

      • Treatment for inflammatory arthritis, including disease modifying drugs and biologic agents (via a rheumatologist)

      Injections and surgery

      In more severe cases, you may be given: 

      • Corticosteroid or other injections – Administered into the joint to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief

      • Hip Surgery - this is considered where other treatments have not been successful in managing the condition, or where the degree of arthritis is severe enough to consider surgical intervention. Your consultant will arrange treatment at other hospitals, when surgery is necessary.

      At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, treatment focuses on proven therapies that 

      reduce pain, improve mobility, and help you stay active

       

    • Mayo Clinic Healthcare in central London offers access to internationally recognised expertise in orthopaedics and musculoskeletal care.

      Patients benefit from:

      • A highly skilled, multidisciplinary team of orthopaedic and rheumatology specialists

      • A collaborative, evidence-based approach to diagnosis and treatment

      • Advanced diagnostic imaging and clinical facilities

      • Care aligned with the global standards of the Mayo Clinic network

      • A convenient central London location for both UK-based and international patients

    Private health insurance for hip pain

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

    Book a consultation

    Our team is here to answer your questions and identify the severity of your hip arthritis. We are committed to providing personalised care and building efficient treatment plans based on your individual needs. Request an appointment with us today. or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575.