Why Does My Hip Lock When Standing?

Question:
Sometimes when I try to stand from a sitting position my hip will lock causing excruciating pain. This started a couple years ago, but when I went to the doctor he didn’t seem too concerned. Just said it was old age arthritis. Even standing it would sometimes lock up at the hip joint.

Answer:

There are three things that this could be. First is arthritis which is the most common. Second is a tear in the cartilage rim that goes around the socket (labrum). Third is a loose piece of bone/cartilage floating around in the hip joint. Treatment is quite different depending on the problem. I would recommend an evaluation by an orthopedist with an interest in hips to determine the problem and solution for you.