(HealthDay News) -- Hip arthritis can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, but may not need surgery if discovered in its early stages.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these potential nonsurgical solutions for hip arthritis:

• Give your hip time to rest.
• Begin a physical therapy program -- which may include swimming, biking or water aerobics -- to improve joint strength, function and range of motion.
• Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug to help ease pain.
• Get plenty of sleep every night.
• Lose any excess weight.