Is It Just Age-Related Natural Wear and Tear — or A Sequela of Another Problem?
By Dr. Ong Beng Kiang, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Orthopaedic Centre, Gleneagles Hospital Johor
When people hear about hip arthritis or hip replacement surgery, they often assume it’s only something elderly patients need to worry about. But in reality, hip osteoarthritis can affect people younger than 50 — especially if they have a history of previous injuries, infection, congenital or developmental hip abnormality, or avascular necrosis of the hip, a condition where bone tissue in the hip joint dies due to a lack of blood supply.
At the Orthopaedic Centre at Gleneagles Hospital Johor, our specialist Dr. Ong Beng Kiang sees an increasing number of young active adults, former athletes, and even office workers seeking help for chronic hip pain that disrupts daily life. Many of these hip conditions, when left untreated, can lead to rapid destruction of the joint — making early diagnosis and intervention crucial.
Years of Wear and Tear
Hip osteoarthritis (OA) — a condition where the cartilage cushioning your hip joint wears down — results in bone rubbing on bone and significant pain. Primary hip osteoarthritis, the type without a known underlying cause, is more common than secondary hip osteoarthritis, which develops due to a specific injury, deformity, or disease.
Symptoms may develop slowly, such as:
- Persistent hip or groin pain
- Stiffness after sitting or sleeping
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or bending
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Limping or reduced mobility
While it's easy to dismiss these symptoms as signs of aging, Dr. Ong Beng Kiang emphasizes that they may actually be early warning signs of more serious issues such as adult hip dysplasia or avascular necrosis of the hip. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, a consultation at Gleneagles Hospital Johor can help uncover the underlying cause.
When Is Hip Replacement Surgery Necessary?
At Gleneagles Hospital Johor, Dr. Ong Beng Kiang and his orthopaedic team prioritise non-surgical treatments for hip osteoarthritis. These include physiotherapy, pain management, joint injections, and lifestyle modifications. However, when these conservative measures no longer offer relief and end-stage arthritis sets in, hip replacement surgery may be recommended.
You may need to consider surgery if:
- You experience pain even while at rest or during sleep
- Your daily activities and hobbies are affected
- Walking short distances becomes a challenge
- Medication and therapy no longer work
- You rely on walking aids for mobility
Dr. Ong Beng Kiang, based at Gleneagles Hospital Johor, uses advanced techniques and personalised treatment plans to ensure optimal outcomes for patients undergoing hip replacement procedures.
Don’t Let Hip Pain Redefine Your Life
If hip pain is forcing you to change the way you walk, sleep, work, or move, it’s time to take action. At the Orthopaedic Centre, Gleneagles Hospital Johor, Dr. Ong Beng Kiang offers expert care that can help restore your quality of life and get you back to the activities you enjoy.
Book a consultation with Dr. Ong Beng Kiang at Gleneagles Hospital Johor and take the first step toward moving pain-free again.
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