Hip & shoulder · 5 min read
Hip arthritis without replacement: your options by stage
What helps a worn hip at each stage, and where regenerative treatment with stem cells fits before surgery.
Short answer
Hip osteoarthritis can be managed without a replacement while the joint still has cartilage. Exercise, physical therapy, pain relief and, in selected cases, regenerative treatment with mesenchymal stem cells can reduce pain and improve movement. Systematic reviews report pain relief and better function after stem cell injections in hip osteoarthritis.
In 30 seconds
- Hip osteoarthritis is usually felt in the groin and sometimes in the knee.
- Mild to moderate stages have the most non-surgical options.
- Stem cells work by modulating the inflammation inside the joint.
What happens in hip osteoarthritis?
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. Cartilage lines both surfaces so they glide smoothly. In osteoarthritis that cartilage thins, the joint becomes inflamed, and small daily tasks get harder: putting on socks, getting out of a car, walking longer distances.
What are the options at each stage?
- Mild: stay active with low-impact exercise, manage weight and strengthen the muscles around the hip.
- Moderate: physical therapy, pain relief, and regenerative treatment with mesenchymal stem cells in selected cases.
- Advanced: when the joint space is gone, a hip replacement is usually the most effective option.
How can stem cells help the hip?
Mesenchymal stem cells release signals that modulate inflammation. In the hip, that can mean less pain and more range of motion. A 2024 systematic review concluded that stem cell injections show promise as an effective and safe option for hip osteoarthritis, with pain relief and functional improvement, while research continues.
At Stemlife we use cells from Wharton’s jelly. The application takes one day at Hospital Puerta de Hierro Andares, and follow-up continues at 30, 90 and 180 days.
Who is a good candidate?
Usually adults with mild to moderate hip osteoarthritis whose pain has not improved enough with exercise and physical therapy. A recent X-ray or MRI lets our specialist check how much joint space remains and whether this protocol fits your hip.
Is this for you?
- You feel pain in the groin or hip when walking, standing up or putting on shoes.
- Your imaging shows mild to moderate hip osteoarthritis.
- You want to explore options before a hip replacement.
Frequently asked questions
Where is hip arthritis pain felt?
Mostly in the groin and the front of the thigh, and sometimes in the knee.
How many applications do I need?
It depends on your case. The physician defines the protocol after reviewing your imaging.
Can I walk after treatment?
Yes. Most patients walk out the same day; your physician gives you an activity plan.
How much does it cost for the hip?
The reference range for the hip is USD 5,000 to 12,000, confirmed after a free review of your imaging.
Stemlife Clinic at a glance
- Location
- Guadalajara, Mexico · Hospital Puerta de Hierro Andares
- Cells
- Mesenchymal stem cells from Wharton’s jelly (umbilical cord)
- Treatment
- One application in a single day; plan 2–3 days in Guadalajara
- Price
- From USD 5,000, confirmed after a free medical assessment
Medically reviewed by Dr. Guillermo Quezada Navarro · November 2026
Sources
- AAOS OrthoInfo · Osteoarthritis of the hip
- Management of hip osteoarthritis: harnessing the potential of mesenchymal stem cells. A systematic review. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2024.
- NIAMS (NIH) · Osteoarthritis
- Cell therapy with intravascular administration of mesenchymal stromal cells continues to appear safe: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine. 2020.
General educational information. Individual results vary and are not guaranteed.
