Can arthritis cause hip and thigh pain?

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and can affect many parts of the body, including the hips and thighs, says WebMD. It happens when irritation or damage to a joint causes a breakage to cartilage tissue. This causes a person to experience pain and swelling.

Pain can occur in different areas of the body, such as the groin, knee and thigh, notes WebMD. The severity varies from a dull ache to a sharp stabbing pain. This may complicate how quickly a health care provider diagnoses the patient. There are several methods of treatment, such as rest, walking with a cane, weight loss, medication and surgery.