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Patient Questions  /  Walking with hip arthritis

Hip

Is Walking Good or Bad for Hip Arthritis?

Walking is generally good for hip arthritis. Movement helps keep the joint healthy and the muscles around it strong. The key is pacing: walking an amount your hip can handle, then building up gradually.

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Why movement helps arthritic hips

Joint cartilage relies on movement to stay healthy, and the muscles around the hip act as shock absorbers. People with hip arthritis who stay active generally do better than those who avoid activity. Exercise is one of the most strongly recommended treatments for hip osteoarthritis.

How to walk without flaring it up

  • Find your starting amount. Walk for a time that feels OK during and after, even if it's just 10 minutes.
  • Use the next-day rule. Mild discomfort that settles by the next day is fine. Pain that's worse the next day means you did a bit too much. Cut back slightly, don't stop.
  • Build gradually. Add a few minutes every week or so.
  • Flat, even ground and supportive shoes help. A cane in the hand opposite the sore hip can take pressure off during a flare.
  • If walking is too painful, a stationary bike or pool exercise keeps you moving while you build strength.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor promptly if you have:

  • Hip or groin pain after a fall, especially if you can't put weight on the leg
  • A hot, painful hip with fever
  • Pain that is constant, worse at night and not eased by rest

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist sets a walking plan that fits your hip, strengthens the hip and thigh muscles, and uses hands-on treatment for stiffness, so walking gets easier over time.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Hip pain and hip arthritis →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed September 2026