Osteoarthritis remains the most common cause of hip joint degeneration. Other causes include: rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis (AVN), and abnormalities and trauma. Osteoarthritis of the hip indeed can and usually does cause pain. Other symptoms include swelling, stiffness, sometimes warmth and joint deformity. The typical pain from hip arthritis is located in the groin, thigh or buttock; the pain is generally worse with weight bearing (walking, standing) or twisting.