An arthritic hip can hurt at any time. Much of the time pain will occur after prolonged standing, walking, or any other weight bearing activity. It may also come from activities that put stress on the hip such as bending, twisting, running, and climbing stairs. Sometimes the pain may develop spontaneously and be present when you are doing nothing at all. This is called resting pain. Frequently, this kind of pain can occur at night and can awaken you from sleep.
People who have osteoarthritis will sometimes com-plain of pain in an affected joint when there is a change in the weather. An episode of pain may last for several days and then recede. It is not clear what triggers the inflammatory response that causes the pain. In many people with advanced osteoarthritis, the pain is constant and is present all the time. It is unrelieved by rest, by any change in position, or by medication. Linda W., a patient, says: The pain was a constant burning pain.
Nothing relieved the pain—not rest, ibuprofen, or even more potent medications. The medications would sort of deaden the pain, allowing me to get to sleep, but I would wake up during the night and have to change positions. The time to consider hip replacement surgery is when you can no longer tolerate the pain.