Hip Osteoarthritis

As the articular cartilage wears and frays the protective smooth material and the space between the bones decreases which results in a "bone on bone" rubbing which causes pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis develops and progresses over time. The causes of osteoarthritis of the hip are not known, but factors that may contribute include joint injury, increasing age, and being overweight. However, osteoarthritis can sometimes be caused by other factors such as the joints that may not have formed properly, there may be genetic (inherited) defects in the cartilage. Hip arthritis can make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stair, and bending difficult and painful.