There are many reasons that you may experience pain in your hip.

Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Hip
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in the hip typically include arthritis pain and loss of motion. Rheumatoid arthritis is a symmetrical disease, meaning that both sides of the body are affected similarly. For example, you will most likely feel arthritis pain in both of your hips. In addition, you may notice your hip fixed in a slightly bent position so when you are walking or standing, your pelvis has to tilt forward.

Other common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in the hip include:
• arthritis pain felt down the leg, at the knee or in the groin area
• loss of motion
• lower back pain

If you have rheumatoid arthritis in the hip, you will most likely have one or more of the other prevalent symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis such as:
• swelling and pain in one or more joints, lasting six weeks or more
• fatigue and/or weakness
• stiffness following periods of immobility which gradually improves with movement
• general sickness, mild fevers, anaemia and weight loss
• fluid accumulation, especially around the ankles

Only a physician can make a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. If you think you have any of these symptoms, please consult with your doctor.

Osteoarthritis of the Hip
The symptoms of a degenerative hip joint usually begin as pain while bearing weight on the affected hip. You may limp, which is the body's way of reducing the forces that the hip has to deal with. The degeneration will lead to a reduction in the range of motion of the affected hip. Bony spurs will usually develop, which can limit how far the hip can move. Finally, as the condition becomes worse, the pain may be present all the time and may even keep you awake at night. Reduced movement in the hip joint causes functional difficulties, such as difficulty putting on socks and shoes, using stairs, rising from chairs and the toilet, or getting into or from a car.

Avascular Necrosis of the Hip
The first symptom of avascular necrosis is pain when weight is placed on the hip. The pain can be felt in the groin area, the buttock area, and down the front of the thigh. As the problem progresses, the symptoms include development of a limp when walking and stiffness in the hip joint. Eventually, the pain will also be present at rest and may even interfere with sleep.

Alternative Treatments
Not all hip conditions require a hip replacement as the initial treatment. Your doctor may suggest several alternative treatments to put off the decision for replacing the hip as long as possible. Using a cane may help alleviate some of your pain and allow you to walk more comfortably. Anti-inflammatory medications may reduce the inflammation from the arthritis and reduce your pain. The pain may also respond to paracetamol.

Assistive Devices
There are also many assistive devices available that may make your life easier and more productive.

Bathrooms: If you have stiff joints from hip arthritis, a raised toilet seat may be helpful. You may also wish to install rails by the side of the toilet to make it easier for you to move on and off of it. Showering is easier if you have a shower seat and grab bars. There are companies that focus on creating showers for people with disabilities. You may also find these devices useful: * non-skid safety mats * long-handled brush or sponge * hand-held shower head

Dressing: Putting on socks and shoes may be very difficult for someone with hip arthritis. You can purchase an extended handle shoehorn and dressing sticks to help you in the mornings. Reachers can help you pick up things that are on the floor. Slip-on shoes may be easier to use than shoes that tie.

Climbing Stairs: If you can, avoid stairs. If you must climb stairs, always use the handrail and take your time. Use your best leg first when going up and lead with the bad leg on the way down. If you are unable to climb stairs in your home, you may want to explore installing a stair lift that will allow you to move easily up and down the stairs.

Walking: A cane is the best assistive aid for problems with walking. There are many different types of canes. A popular choice for many people is a quad cane that has four tips at the end to give stability. If you have hip arthritis, use the cane in the opposite hand. Walkers or crutches may also help people who are unable to use a cane. You can buy most of these assistive devices in department stores, medical supply stores, through specialised mail-order catalogues, or through medical assistance web sites.