Are there any alternatives to surgery for severe hip arthritis?

Yes: Alternatives include losing excess weight (for every 1 lb. Of extra weight your hip absorbs 4 lbs. With each step), anti-inflammatory drugs, intra-articular steroid injection under fluoroscopic imaging, proximal femur osteotomy, and hip resurfacing. Hip replacement is a commonly done operation that is very effective for the relief of pain from osteoarthritis.

Yes: There are options such as medications, physical therapy and shots, but usually they don't provide enough relief to avoid surgery.