A 50-year-old man, overweight, presents with a gradual onset of hip pain over the past six months. The pain seems to be worse after physical activity, and he sometimes feels a grating sensation in the joint. What could this indicate and what is the management plan?
His symptoms are suggestive of hip osteoarthritis. The gradual onset of pain, its worsening with activity, and crepitus (the grating sensation) are characteristic of this condition. Management of hip osteoarthritis involves lifestyle modifications, including weight loss and low-impact exercises, pain management with NSAIDs, and potentially physical therapy. In severe cases or if conservative measures fail, a total hip replacement may be considered.