Does arthritis of the hip cause thigh pain?
Arthritis is a degenerative condition in which the protective cartilage of a joint wears away. As the degeneration progresses, bone is exposed. There is then bone-on-bone friction at the joint.The HipEach hip joint consists of the head of the thigh bone and a socket in the pelvic bone. It is considered a weight-bearing joint, as it supports body weight in sitting and standing.PhysiologyBone is a living tissue that consists of blood vessels and nerves. As more bone becomes exposed, the more nerve endings are exposed as well, generating a sensation of pain.Thigh PainThe pain associated with arthritis of the hip can be felt in the thigh. The femur, or thigh bone, is directly affected. The pain tends to intensify during weight bearing activities, such as standing or walking.Home TreatmentThe thigh pain associated with arthritis of the hip may be alleviated by over-the-counter, non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or other pain relievers. Capsaicin cream applied to the joint a