At What Age Does Hip Arthritis Start? Unpacking the Causes and Risk Factors

Oct 13, 2025 4 min read •

senior care Orthopedics Healthy Aging

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the average age for developing hip osteoarthritis is 65, though the risk increases for most people over 50. This information provides critical context for the question, at what age does hip arthritis start, by revealing that while it often appears later in life, contributing factors can influence its onset at earlier ages.

Quick Summary

Hip arthritis, most commonly osteoarthritis, typically presents with symptoms after age 50, with the average onset around 65; however, factors like genetics, injury, and developmental issues can trigger it much earlier in life.

Key Points

Peak Onset Age: Most cases of hip osteoarthritis, the most common type, are diagnosed in people over 50, with the average age of onset around 65.
Earlier Onset Causes: Hip arthritis can begin much earlier in life, even in young adults, due to factors like past injuries, genetic predispositions, or developmental joint disorders.
Inflammatory vs. Degenerative: Different types of arthritis have different timelines; inflammatory forms like rheumatoid arthritis can appear at any age, while osteoarthritis is typically age-related.
Key Risk Factors: Aside from age, major risk factors include obesity, past joint injuries, family history of arthritis, and certain anatomical variations.
Early Symptoms: Look for pain in the groin or thigh that is worse in the morning or after rest, stiffness, decreased range of motion, and a grinding sensation in the joint.
Management is Possible: Early intervention with low-impact exercise, weight management, and physical therapy can effectively manage symptoms and delay progression.

Understanding the Types of Hip Arthritis

While the keyword specifically mentions "hip arthritis," this term covers a range of conditions. The most common type, and the one most associated with increasing age, is osteoarthritis (OA). However, other inflammatory forms of arthritis can strike at much younger ages and are triggered by different processes.

Osteoarthritis: The 'Wear and Tear' Type

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by the wear and tear on the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones in the hip joint. Over time, this protective cartilage breaks down, causing bones to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Inflammatory Arthritis: A Different Timeline

Inflammatory types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or ankylosing spondylitis (AS), are autoimmune disorders where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Can occur at any age, affecting women more frequently.
Ankylosing Spondylitis: Often starts between the ages of 17 and 35.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus): Most common in women between 15 and 35.

Key Factors Influencing the Onset Age

While age is a significant risk factor for osteoarthritis, it's far from the only one. Many people experience hip arthritis symptoms at a younger age due to other conditions or lifestyle choices. The following factors interact to determine the likelihood and timing of hip arthritis.

Genetic Predisposition

Your genetics can play a role in your risk of developing arthritis. If close family members have experienced arthritis, especially at a younger age, your own risk may be higher. Certain inherited conditions that affect joint structure can also lead to hip arthritis earlier in life.

Joint Injuries and Trauma

A past hip injury, such as a fracture or dislocation, can significantly increase your risk of developing post-traumatic arthritis years later. Even seemingly minor injuries can damage the joint cartilage, accelerating the degenerative process.

Developmental Disorders

Conditions present from birth, such as hip dysplasia (where the hip joint doesn't form correctly) or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), can cause abnormal wear on the hip joint, leading to early-onset osteoarthritis.

Obesity and Lifestyle Stress

Excess body weight places immense stress on the hip joints, accelerating the breakdown of cartilage. The fatty tissue in overweight individuals can also promote inflammation, further damaging the joint. High-impact activities or jobs involving repetitive movements can also contribute to early wear and tear.

Gender Differences

After age 50, women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men. This risk may be influenced by hormonal changes during postmenopause.

A Comparison of Arthritis Types by Age of Onset


Feature	Osteoarthritis	Inflammatory Arthritis
Typical Age	Most often after 50; average onset 65.	Can start much younger, even in teens or 20s.
Underlying Cause	Degenerative 'wear and tear' of joint cartilage.	Autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own joint tissue.
Progression	Symptoms generally develop slowly over time.	Symptoms can appear suddenly or in episodes, sometimes rapidly worsening.
Common Affected Joints	Hips, knees, hands, spine.	Can affect many joints, including hips, and other organs.

Recognizing Early Signs

Understanding when hip arthritis starts also means recognizing its initial signs, which can be subtle. Early symptoms often include pain in the groin, outer thigh, or buttocks, especially after periods of inactivity like sleeping or sitting. This pain might improve with movement but return after vigorous activity. Stiffness and a decreased range of motion, making it hard to put on socks or shoes, are also common indicators. You might also hear or feel a grinding or clicking sensation during hip movement.

What to Do When Symptoms Appear

If you experience persistent hip pain or stiffness, a timely diagnosis from a healthcare professional is crucial. Managing hip arthritis involves a combination of non-surgical and, in some cases, surgical options.

Managing Symptoms with Conservative Treatments

Non-surgical approaches can be highly effective, especially in the early stages. The Arthritis Foundation recommends a variety of strategies to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Exercise and Physical Therapy: Regular, low-impact exercise like swimming, cycling, and walking strengthens the muscles supporting the hip joint and improves mobility. A physical therapist can provide tailored exercises.
Weight Management: Losing excess weight significantly reduces the load on the hip joint, easing pain and slowing progression.
Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) can help manage pain and inflammation. Prescription medications and injections are also options for more severe cases.
Assistive Devices: Canes or walkers can reduce the stress on the hip joint and improve safety.
Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat before activity can warm up the joint, while applying ice afterward can reduce inflammation.

For more detailed information on living with hip arthritis and finding support resources, consider visiting the Arthritis Foundation website.

Surgical Options for Advanced Cases

When conservative treatments are no longer effective, surgical options may be necessary. Procedures range from osteotomy (repositioning joint surfaces) to total hip replacement, which can provide significant pain relief and improve mobility for those with severely damaged joints.

Conclusion: Age is a Factor, Not a Guarantee

While the risk of hip arthritis generally increases with age, particularly after 50, it is important to understand that it is not an inevitable part of aging. A combination of factors, including genetics, prior injuries, and lifestyle, determines when and how severely an individual may be affected. By understanding these risk factors and recognizing early signs, you can take proactive steps to manage symptoms, slow progression, and maintain a high quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is possible for hip arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, to begin in a person's 30s or 40s. While less common than in older adults, it can be caused by underlying issues such as a previous joint injury, a genetic predisposition, or a developmental hip disorder that creates extra stress on the joint.

The average age for developing hip osteoarthritis is approximately 65, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, the risk increases for most people beginning in their 50s due to the cumulative wear and tear on the hip joints over a lifetime.

Early signs often include a dull, aching pain in the groin or outer thigh, especially after resting or upon waking up. Other signs can be stiffness in the hip, a decreased range of motion, and a grinding or clicking sound (crepitus) during movement.

Yes, genetics are a known risk factor. If you have a family history of osteoarthritis, particularly among close relatives like parents or siblings, you may have a higher risk of developing hip arthritis, potentially at an earlier age.

Yes, carrying excess body weight places extra stress on the hip joints, which can accelerate the wear and tear of cartilage and lead to earlier onset of hip osteoarthritis. Weight management is an important strategy for prevention and symptom management.

Yes, the type of arthritis is a key factor. While osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that typically affects older adults, inflammatory types like rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis are autoimmune disorders that can begin at much younger ages, sometimes in the teens or 20s.

Activities that put repeated strain on the joints can accelerate the wear and tear process. High-impact sports or physically demanding jobs with repetitive hip movements can potentially contribute to the earlier development of hip osteoarthritis.

Distinguishing between normal aging and early arthritis can be challenging, but key signs of arthritis include persistent or worsening joint pain, stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes in the morning, and a limited range of motion. Normal age-related changes are usually less severe and don't involve the same level of functional impairment.

While you can't control all risk factors, you can take proactive steps. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular low-impact exercise, avoiding high-impact activities if you have pre-existing risk factors, and addressing any joint injuries promptly can all help prevent or delay the onset of hip arthritis.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.