Hip arthritis- especially osteoarthritis- is a common cause of chronic hip pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. For many adults, these symptoms can make walking, standing, and daily activities more challenging than they used to be. The good news: with the right care, you can protect your joints, stay active, and improve your overall function.

What Causes Hip Arthritis?

Hip arthritis often develops when the cartilage that cushions your hip joint wears down over time. This can lead to joint inflammation, stiffness, hip pain when walking, reduced hip range of motion, and discomfort during everyday movements. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis affecting the hip, but rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis are other types that can occur as well. Your doctor can determine which type you may be experiencing.

How Can PT Help? 

If these symptoms are interrupting your day, physical therapy can help restore mobility and reduce strain on the hip joint. Though arthritis can’t be reversed, PT that incorporate low-impact exercises, targeted hip-strengthening, and mobility work can make a significant difference in reducing pain, improving range of motion, and restoring function.

Complementary pain-management strategies, such as heat or cold therapy and supportive footwear, can also provide relief and make daily activities more comfortable. Most importantly, early intervention with a physical therapist can help address underlying movement and strength deficits before they contribute to worsening symptoms or further joint problems. All of this translates into walking better, moving better, and functioning better through your daily life. 

Working with a Luna PT makes getting the care you need convenient and personalized, with one-on-one treatment in the comfort of your own home, and the consistency of seeing the same physical therapist throughout your plan of care.