The most common hip injuries are caused by arthritis or from a traumatic injury such as can be caused from a car accident or bad fall. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and traumatic arthritis are the most common conditions that can cause hip pain and often this may result in a hip replacement once the condition becomes chronic and prevents the patient from walking without pain.

Osteoarthritis often occurs in people over 50 years of age especially those with a family history of arthritis. It can be caused from the articular cartilage that cushions the bones wearing away so that the hip bones rub against each other. This causes pain and stiffness and affects walking and getting in and out of a chair.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the synovial membrane to become inflamed, producing too much synovial fluid, which damages the articular cartilage and leads to pain and stiffness in the hip joints.

Traumatic arthritis often occurs following a serious hip injury or fracture. A condition known as osteonecrosis can occur after a bad fracture to the hip and can cause damage over time resulting in stiffness and pain.

Any of the above conditions can be a reason for a hip replacement, especially when damage has occurred over time and is not reversible. After a hip replacement orthopedic therapy is required to settle in the new prosthetic hip and get the patient back to normal activities. Some physical therapy is usually required for several months after the hip replacement, but after it is fully healed, you can resume most normal daily activities and gentle sports.

If you have any regular occurring pain in the hip when walking or getting in or out of a chair you should have x-rays to check for hip deterioration and you will be advised whether or not you need a hip replacement.