It's not a given that if you have arthritis in the knee, you'll get it in the hip. But there does seem to be a link between the two. Perhaps hip problems start when knee pain results in a limp or altered way of walking.

Problems above or below the impaired joint are common. Change in weight shift, weight-bearing, and balance can lead to a change in the hip or ankle joint. The hip is especially prone to end up with decreased function.

Physical therapists are actively researching ways to prevent this from happening. Finding hip problems early may be a start. If you are having pain and stiffness from knee arthritis, ask your doctor or therapist to check the hip on the same side and the knee and hip on the opposite side.