Conditions we diagnose and treat

Hip Osteoarthritis Treatment in London

Available at LSRI Harley Street (W1G 9QJ) and LSRI Northwest London, Harrow (HA2 7SJ).

Hip osteoarthritis is a common condition in which the cartilage lining the hip joint gradually thins and the bone underneath changes, causing pain and stiffness.

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GMC / FRCR Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist

It becomes more common with age, and it can also follow earlier hip problems or injuries, or run in families. Symptoms vary a great deal, and many people manage well for years with the right support. At LSRI, Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, uses imaging to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of hip pain, and, where it is the right option for you, offers ultrasound-guided injections into the hip joint to help with pain.

Why choose LSRI

Consultant-led care from Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist with more than 20 years’ experience.
Diagnosis and ultrasound-guided treatment from the same specialist.
Two clinics: LSRI Harley Street (W1G 9QJ) and LSRI Northwest London in Harrow (HA2 7SJ).
No GP referral needed, and all major insurers accepted.
After Dr Sankaye has reported your scan, you can have a free 5-minute video consultation to go through the results.

Last medically reviewed by Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, on 2 October 2026.

Symptoms of hip osteoarthritis

Pain in the groin, front of the thigh or buttock, sometimes spreading down to the knee.
Stiffness, particularly after rest, which usually eases after moving around.
Pain that is worse with walking, standing or climbing stairs.
Difficulty putting on socks and shoes, cutting toenails or getting in and out of a car.
A limp or reduced walking distance.

If your hip is hot and swollen and you have a fever, or you have sudden severe hip pain after a fall and cannot put weight on your leg, seek urgent medical advice.

Pain on the outer side of the hip, especially when lying on that side, is often due to a different problem involving the tendons and bursa. You can read more on our hip bursitis page.

How we diagnose hip osteoarthritis

Hip osteoarthritis can often be recognised from your symptoms and an examination, which checks how the hip moves, where you feel pain and how you walk. Dr Sankaye will also check your lower back, as back problems can cause pain around the hip.

An X-ray is usually the first imaging test. It shows narrowing of the joint space, bony spurs and changes in the bone.

MRI can help when the X-ray is normal or unclear, when symptoms do not match the X-ray, or to look for other causes of hip pain. Ultrasound can show fluid in the hip joint and problems with the surrounding tendons and bursae, and is used to guide injections accurately into the joint.

What to expect at your appointment

Dr Sankaye reviews your symptoms, general health and any previous X-rays or scans.
He scans your hip with ultrasound, and arranges an X-ray or MRI if needed.
He explains the findings and discusses your options, including exercise and injections.
If you decide to go ahead with an injection, it is done under ultrasound guidance.
You receive aftercare advice and a written report, which can be shared with your GP, physiotherapist or surgeon.

Treatment options

The foundations of treatment for hip osteoarthritis are:

Exercise: strengthening and general activity, often guided by a physiotherapist, can reduce pain and improve how the hip works.
Weight management: if you are overweight, losing weight can reduce the load on the hip.
Pain relief: simple painkillers or anti-inflammatory medicines if they are suitable for you, discussed with your GP or pharmacist.
Practical aids: supportive footwear, a walking stick used in the opposite hand, and aids for everyday tasks.

If pain is limiting your daily life or your ability to exercise, the options at LSRI include:

Ultrasound-guided steroid injection: steroid and local anaesthetic are injected into the hip joint under ultrasound guidance. This can give short-term pain relief, which may help you stay active and exercise. The hip is a deep joint, and ultrasound helps place the needle accurately. You can read more about joint injections.
Hyaluronic acid injection: may be considered in selected cases. The evidence for hyaluronic acid in hip osteoarthritis is mixed, but we do offer it at LSRI after assessment. Dr Sankaye will discuss honestly whether it is likely to help you.
MSK specialist consultation: a detailed review of your symptoms, scans and previous treatment, with a clear plan.

If you are waiting for, or considering, a hip replacement, please let us know, as surgeons usually prefer a gap between a hip injection and surgery.

A hip replacement may be worth considering when pain, stiffness and reduced mobility are having a significant effect on your quality of life despite non-surgical treatment. Dr Sankaye can advise when an orthopaedic surgeon’s opinion is worthwhile.

Questions about hip osteoarthritis

Why does my hip arthritis cause knee pain?

Nerves from the hip also supply the area around the knee, so pain from the hip joint can be felt in the thigh or knee. This is called referred pain, and it is one reason a careful examination is important.

Will exercise make my hip arthritis worse?

No. Appropriate exercise is one of the most helpful treatments for hip osteoarthritis. Some discomfort during exercise is common and acceptable, and a physiotherapist can help you find the right level.

How long does a hip injection last?

It varies from person to person. A steroid injection usually gives short-term relief, and it works best when used to help you stay active and exercise. Injections do not cure arthritis or reverse joint changes.

Can I have a hip injection if I am waiting for a hip replacement?

Sometimes, but timing matters. Surgeons usually prefer a gap between an injection and surgery, so please tell us about any planned operation and we can liaise with your surgeon if needed.

Our clinics

Two clinics, one team

Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, sees patients at Harley Street in central London and at our Northwest London clinic in Harrow. Call one number to book at either clinic.