What is arthritis and why does my hip hurt?
In the hip joint there is a layer of smooth cartilage on the ball of the upper end of the thighbone (femur) and another layer within your hip socket. This cartilage serves as a cushion, and allows for smooth motion of the hip. Arthritis is a wearing away of this cartilage. Eventually it wears down to bone. Rubbing of bone against bone causes discomfort, swelling and stiffness.
