Hip problems refer to a range of conditions affecting the hip joint, surrounding muscles, or supporting structures. These issues may develop gradually due to age-related changes or arise suddenly from injury. They can interfere with everyday tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, or putting on shoes. Early diagnosis and treatment by an orthopaedic specialist can help relieve symptoms and restore mobility.
Hip conditions can present with various symptoms that may develop gradually or appear suddenly.
Hip conditions may arise due to multiple contributing factors:
Cartilage naturally wears down with age, and supporting muscles or ligaments may weaken.
Fractures, dislocations, or strains, even if fully healed, can increase the risk of long-term hip issues.
Sports or jobs involving repeated hip motion (e.g. running, manual labour) can strain the joint and surrounding tissues over time.
A family history of arthritis or anatomical variations like shallow hip sockets can increase your susceptibility.
Added pressure on the hip joint accelerates cartilage wear and contributes to joint degeneration.
Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis can cause chronic joint inflammation and damage.
Sedentary habits weaken hip-supporting muscles, making the joint more prone to stiffness and strain.
Common hip conditions include:
The most common form of hip arthritis, caused by gradual cartilage wear. It typically affects adults over 50, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation, pain, and joint damage. It can affect both hips and other joints regardless of age.
Abnormal contact between the hip bones during movement, leading to joint friction, pain, and potential cartilage damage.
Breaks in the upper thighbone near the hip joint, often due to falls in older adults or weakened bone.
Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs) near the hip joint, typically causing pain on the outer hip, especially during movement or when lying on the affected side.
Damage to the cartilage ring (labrum) around the hip socket, often from injury or repetitive motion.
Loss of blood supply to the femoral head, leading to bone tissue death and potential joint collapse. Causes include trauma, steroid use, or certain medical conditions.
Diagnosing hip problems involves a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging:
To assess hip strength, motion range, and areas of pain.
Useful for detecting fractures, arthritis, or abnormal bone alignment.
Detailed imaging of soft tissues, labral tears, or early joint damage.
Cross-sectional views to assess complex bone conditions.
Helpful in evaluating bursitis or guiding injections.
Many hip conditions can be managed initially through non-surgical approaches, which aim to reduce pain, improve function, and slow the progression of certain conditions.
Physiotherapy: Targeted exercises and manual therapy techniques help strengthen the muscles around your hip joint and improve flexibility.
Pain medication: Anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce pain and swelling in the hip joint, whilst other pain relievers may be prescribed for symptom management.
Steroid injections: These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the hip joint or surrounding tissues to reduce pain and inflammation.
Weight management: Reducing excess body weight can significantly decrease the stress on your hip joints and help slow the progression of arthritis.
When non-surgical treatments are insufficient or the condition is severe, surgical intervention may be recommended to restore function and relieve pain.
Hip arthroscopy: This minimally invasive procedure uses a small camera and instruments inserted through tiny incisions to repair damaged cartilage, remove loose fragments, or treat labral tears.
Hip replacement surgery: This procedure involves removing the damaged hip joint and replacing it with artificial components made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials. Hip replacement can be total (replacing both the ball and socket) or partial (replacing only the ball portion).
Hip resurfacing: This procedure involves reshaping the damaged bone surfaces and capping them with metal coverings rather than completely removing the joint. It’s typically considered for younger, more active patients with good bone quality.
Osteotomy: This surgical technique involves cutting and repositioning bones around the hip joint to improve alignment and reduce stress on damaged areas. It’s often used in younger patients to delay the need for hip replacement.
Fracture repair: Hip fractures are typically treated with surgical fixation using metal screws, plates, or rods to hold the broken bones in proper position while they heal. The specific technique depends on the location and type of fracture.
Preventing hip problems involves maintaining strong, flexible muscles through regular low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or cycling. Proper warm-ups before physical activity, supportive footwear, and attention to posture can reduce injury risk. Weight management also reduces strain on the joints. If symptoms arise, early evaluation ensures timely treatment and helps prevent complications.
Consider consulting a hip specialist in Singapore if you experience:
Consult our Dual Fellowship-Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon for an accurate diagnosis & personalised treatment plan today.
Dr Chong Xue Ling is a Swiss fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle, as well as shoulder and elbow surgery.
She is a member of the European Group for the Study and Research of Minimally Invasive Surgery of the Foot and Ankle. For shoulder and elbow surgery, she completed her fellowship at La Tour Hospital, an accredited Swiss Olympic Medical Centre and learnt innovative techniques in arthroplasty for earlier return to activity as well as the stabilising techniques, developed to have greater strength without extensive fixation.
Through active involvement in research, she aims to constantly improve existing treatment in the pursuit of quality care for her patients.
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Most people can return to light daily activities within 6-8 weeks, though full recovery and return to more demanding activities may take 3-6 months. Your recovery time will depend on your overall health, the type of surgery performed, and how well you follow your rehabilitation programme.
Most patients use crutches or a walking frame for the first few weeks after surgery, gradually progressing to a walking stick before returning to normal walking.
Many people with hip arthritis report increased pain and stiffness during cold or damp weather, though the exact reason isn’t fully understood. Keeping warm and maintaining gentle movement during weather changes may help reduce discomfort.
High-impact activities like running on hard surfaces, jumping, or contact sports may worsen hip pain and should generally be avoided. Low-impact alternatives like swimming, cycling, or walking are usually better tolerated and beneficial for hip health.
Sudden severe pain, inability to bear weight on the affected leg, or signs of infection such as fever and redness around a surgical site require immediate medical attention. Contact a hip specialist in Singapore promptly if you experience these symptoms.
