Having hip arthritis can be painful, limiting, and annoying. Many patients feel more anxious when they think about having surgery. There are, thankfully, proven ways to treat arthritis symptoms and get your mobility back without having to undergo surgery. How to treat hip arthritis without surgery looks at natural, medical, and lifestyle-based ways to ease pain, improve function, and help people take back control of their daily lives.

This complete guide tells you everything you need to know about treatment for hip arthritis without surgery. This article talks about a lot of different options that can really improve your quality of life, such as medications, physical therapy, new non-invasive treatments, and changes to your lifestyle.

Understanding Hip Arthritis

Hip arthritis happens when the cartilage in the hip joint breaks down. This causes pain, stiffness, and less movement. Osteoarthritis is the most common type. It usually happens because of getting older, being overweight, or putting too much stress on the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, may also impact the hip. Patients often ask about treatment for hip arthritis without surgery because they want to avoid surgery while still getting good symptom relief.  [1], [2]

Why Choose Treatment for Hip Arthritis Without Surgery?

There are a number of things that affect the choice to look into treatment for hip arthritis without surgery. Many patients can’t have surgery because of their age, health problems, or personal choice. Some people want to put off surgery for as long as they can. Non-surgical treatments often give a lot of relief and may slow the disease’s progress, so they are a great first step before thinking about surgery.

Medications for the treatment of Hip Arthritis

Medications are a big part of non-invasive care. Pain relievers that you can buy without a prescription, like acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help with pain and swelling. You might also be able to get prescription drugs, like stronger anti-inflammatory drugs. Capsaicin or diclofenac creams that you put on your skin can help with pain in one area.

These methods are the basis for treatment for hip arthritis without surgery, which helps people deal with pain and stay active in their daily lives.[ 3],[ 4]

Physical Therapy for Hip Arthritis Without Surgery

Physical therapy is still an important part of treatment for hip arthritis without surgery. Exercises that target the muscles around the hip joint make them stronger, which takes some of the stress off the joint itself. Stretching makes you more flexible, and aerobic conditioning makes you healthier in general.

Therapists also show patients how to change their movements, use assistive devices, and use techniques to protect their hips. Physical therapy can make a big difference in long-term results for people who don’t want to have surgery if they do it regularly.  [5], [6]

Lifestyle Changes as Treatment for Hip Arthritis Without Surgery

To manage hip arthritis without surgery, you need to make changes to your lifestyle that will last. Weight management takes some of the stress off the hip joint because every extra pound of body weight puts more pressure on the hips. Eating a lot of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and slow the progression of disease.

Another important part of treatment for hip arthritis without surgery is exercise. Swimming, biking, and yoga are all low-impact activities that help keep you mobile without putting too much stress on your hip joint.  [2], [7]

Injections for Treatment of Hip Arthritis 

Injections are advanced options that don’t involve surgery. Corticosteroid injections help by lowering inflammation in the hip joint, which gives targeted relief. Hyaluronic acid shots work as lubricants to make it easier for joints to move. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapies are new treatments that aim to help the body heal and grow new tissue.

Patients looking for treatment for hip arthritis without surgery are increasingly interested in these treatments because they can provide relief that lasts for weeks or months.     [8]

Assistive Devices in Treatment for Hip Arthritis Without Surgery

Simple things like canes, walkers, and supportive shoes can make a big difference. These devices help people stay active with less pain by taking pressure off the hip joint and improving balance. A lot of people think this treatment for hip arthritis without surgery is useful and works well for their daily lives.   [6]

Alternative Therapies for Hip Arthritis 

Holistic therapies are also a part of non-surgical management. Acupuncture has shown promise in helping people move better and feel less pain. The muscles surrounding the hip joint can be relaxed with the aid of massage therapy. Many people use heat and cold therapies at home to ease pain.

These other therapies work well with medical care and make treatment for hip arthritis without surgery work better overall.  [7], [9]

Home Remedies for Hip Arthritis

Home-based strategies give you support all the time. Stretching, taking warm baths, and making sure your sitting or sleeping position is comfortable can all help you get through the day. People often take supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin to help their joints, but the results aren’t always the same. Using these remedies regularly makes other types of treatment for hip arthritis without surgery work better.  [1], [7]

The Role of Exercise in Treatment for Hip Arthritis

Exercise is probably the most important part of long-term non-surgical care. Strengthening the hip and core muscles in a targeted way takes stress off the joints, and flexibility exercises keep the hip moving. Tai chi and Pilates are two activities that help with balance and coordination, which lowers the risk of falling.

This makes exercise a practical and empowering way to treat hip arthritis without surgery, since it gives patients control over their recovery.

Strengthening Exercises for Hip Support

It’s very important to strengthen the muscles around the hip joint to take pressure off the damaged cartilage. Leg lifts, bridges, and movements with resistance bands work the gluteal and thigh muscles. Stronger muscles work like shock absorbers, which means that when you walk or stand, they don’t put as much stress on your hip joint. Patients experience less pain and more stability when they do these exercises regularly. This makes them an important part of treatment for hip arthritis without surgery.

Flexibility and Stretching Routines

People with hip arthritis often say that they are stiff. Stretching exercises make you more flexible and keep your joints moving. Gentle yoga poses, hamstring stretches, and hip flexor stretches help you move more freely and naturally. Stretching regularly also lowers the risk of muscle imbalances that could make arthritis symptoms worse. Adding flexibility work helps patients stay independent every day and puts off surgery for as long as possible.

Low-Impact Cardio for Joint Health

Cardiovascular fitness is just as important for non-surgical management. Swimming, stationary cycling, and using an elliptical trainer are all low-impact cardio exercises that improve circulation, strengthen the heart, and help you lose weight. Treatment for hip arthritis without surgery has a big advantage: less body weight means less stress on the hips. These exercises give you the benefits of aerobic training without hurting your joints even more.

Balance and Stability Training

Arthritis can make people less stable, which makes them more likely to fall. Exercises that focus on balance, like standing on one leg, using stability balls, or doing tai chi, can really help with coordination. As balance gets better, people feel more sure of their daily movements, which lets them stay active. Patients can lower their risk of secondary injuries by focusing on stability. This is very important for long-term hip health without surgery.

Mind-Body Exercises for Hip Mobility

Mind-body exercises are a mix of gentle movement and ways to relax. For example, Pilates and tai chi not only make you stronger and more flexible, but they also help you breathe better, stand up straighter, and be more aware of your surroundings. These activities help with the mental stress that comes with chronic pain, make you less stiff, and give you more energy. For a lot of patients, mind-body approaches become a long-lasting and fun way to treat hip arthritis without surgery.

When to Consider Surgery Despite Treatment for Hip Arthritis Without Surgery

There are times when surgery is the only option, even though non-surgical methods work. If the pain is bad, movement is very limited, or non-invasive treatments don’t work, hip replacement may be the next step. Even so, starting with treatment for hip arthritis without surgery is a good idea because it improves health in general and may help recovery after surgery if it is needed.

Future of Treatment for Hip Arthritis

Progress in medical research is broadening non-surgical alternatives. Researchers are looking into stem cell therapy, biologic treatments, and new injections to see if they can help rebuild cartilage and restore joint function. Wearable tech and AI-driven rehab programs are also making physical therapy work better.

The future of treatment for hip arthritis without surgery holds the potential for more individualized, efficacious, and accessible healthcare for patients globally.    [4],[10]

Conclusion

There are many safe, effective, and life-changing ways to treat hip arthritis without surgery. Patients have many ways to deal with pain, get better at moving, and live happy lives without having to have surgery. These include medications, physical therapy, changes to their lifestyle, and advanced injections. People with hip arthritis can put off or even avoid surgery for a long time by using these methods early and often.

FAQs

1. What is the best treatment for hip arthritis without surgery?

The best way to treat this is to use a mix of drugs, physical therapy, exercise, and changes to daily life that are right for each person.

2. Can exercise be an effective treatment for hip arthritis without surgery?

 Yes, low-impact exercises like swimming, yoga, and biking can help with pain, build muscle, and make joints work better.

3. Are injections a reliable form of treatment for hip arthritis without surgery?

 Corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and PRP are examples of injections that can give you long-lasting, targeted relief.

4. How long can treatment for hip arthritis without surgery delay surgery?

It depends on how bad the arthritis is, but with the right care, many patients can put off surgery for years.

5. Is diet important in the treatment for hip arthritis without surgery?

Yes, for sure. A diet that fights inflammation helps keep joints healthy and lowers the overall burden of arthritis.

References 

Details

1. Arthritis Foundation. Hip Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment [Internet]. Arthritis.org; 2023 [cited 2025 Sep 22]. Available from: https://www.arthritis.org

2. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Osteoarthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take [Internet]. Niams.nih.gov; 2022 [cited 2025 Sep 22]. Available from: https://www.niams.nih.gov

3. Mayo Clinic. Hip Pain – Diagnosis and Treatment [Internet]. Mayoclinic.org; 2023 [cited 2025 Sep 22]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org

4. Bannuru RR, Osani MC, Vaysbrot EE, Arden NK, Bennell K, Bierma-Zeinstra SM, et al. OARSI guidelines for the non-surgical management of knee, hip, and polyarticular osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2019 Nov;27(11):1578-89. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31278997/

5. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Physical Therapy for Hip Arthritis [Internet]. Hopkinsmedicine.org; 2023 [cited 2025 Sep 22]. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

6. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis of the Hip [Internet]. OrthoInfo.aaos.org; 2022 [cited 2025 Sep 22]. Available from: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org

7. Harvard Health Publishing. Natural Remedies for Arthritis Pain [Internet]. Health.harvard.edu; 2022 [cited 2025 Sep 22]. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu

8. Cleveland Clinic. Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Osteoarthritis [Internet]. My.clevelandclinic.org; 2023 [cited 2025 Sep 22]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org

9. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Mind and Body Practices for Osteoarthritis [Internet]. Nccih.nih.gov; 2023 [cited 2025 Sep 22]. Available from: https://www.nccih.nih.gov

10. Reddy SH, Hulimavu R, Babu NC, Ashok GN. Stem-cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma in regenerative medicine: A review on the pros and cons of the technologies. PMC; 2018. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6306612/ (PMC)