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Hip pain is a common complaint that can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life. Whether it is due to injury, arthritis, or overuse, hip pain can be debilitating and require proper diagnosis and treatment to find relief. We specialize in identifying the underlying causes of hip pain and providing effective treatment options to help patients regain mobility and function.  Here we explore the various risk factors, causes, symptoms, and treatment options for hip pain.

Chronic Hip Pain Risk Factors.

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing chronic hip pain:

  • Age: The risk of developing chronic hip pain increases with age, as the structures of the hip joint undergo natural wear and tear over time. Conditions such as osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease are more prevalent in older adults.

  • Joint Conditions:  Certain joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis (loss of blood supply to the bone), and hip dysplasia (abnormal formation of the hip joint), can contribute to chronic hip pain.

  • Previous Injuries: Trauma or injuries to the hip joint, such as fractures, dislocations, or ligament tears, can lead to chronic hip pain, especially if the injury does not heal properly or if there is residual damage to the joint structures.

  • Repetitive Stress or Overuse: Activities or occupations that involve repetitive movements or excessive stress on the hip joint, such as running, squatting, or heavy lifting, can increase the risk of developing chronic hip pain due to wear and tear on the joint structures.

  • Obesity: Excess body weight places increased pressure on the hip joint, leading to accelerated degeneration of the joint cartilage and an increased risk of developing conditions such as osteoarthritis, which can cause chronic hip pain.

  • Genetics:  Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to developing certain hip conditions, such as osteoarthritis or hip dysplasia, which can contribute to chronic hip pain.

  • Muscle Imbalances or Weakness: Weakness or imbalance in the muscles surrounding the hip joint, such as the hip abductors, adductors, or flexors, can affect joint stability and alignment, leading to chronic hip pain.

  • Hip Fracture: A history of hip fractures, particularly in older adults, can increase the risk of developing chronic hip pain, as the injury may lead to long-term joint instability or complications such as avascular necrosis.

  • Systemic Diseases: Certain systemic diseases, such as osteoporosis, gout, or ankylosing spondylitis, can affect the health of the hip joint and increase the risk of chronic hip pain.

  • Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of regular exercise or physical activity can weaken the muscles supporting the hip joint, reduce joint flexibility, and increase the risk of developing chronic hip pain.

It's important to identify and address any underlying risk factors to prevent or manage chronic hip pain effectively. Seeking early medical evaluation and adopting lifestyle modifications such as weight management, regular exercise, proper posture, and injury prevention strategies can help reduce the risk of developing chronic hip pain.

Causes of Hip Pain.  

Hip pain can stem from a wide range of underlying conditions, including:

  • Osteoarthritis: The most common cause of hip pain, osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the hip joint wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.

  • Hip Fracture: A break or fracture in the hip bone, often resulting from a fall or trauma, can cause severe pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg.

  • Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint, can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in the hip area, particularly with movement or pressure.

  • Tendinitis: Inflammation or irritation of the tendons surrounding the hip joint, such as the iliopsoas tendon or the gluteal tendons, can cause pain and discomfort in the hip and groin area.

  • Hip Labral Tear: A tear in the labrum, the ring of cartilage that surrounds the hip socket, can cause sharp or catching pain in the hip joint, as well as stiffness and decreased range of motion.

  • Sciatica: Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the buttocks and into the legs, can cause radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in the hip and leg.

Symptoms of Hip Pain.

The symptoms of hip pain can vary depending on the underlying cause but may include:

  1. Pain: Dull, aching, or sharp pain in the hip joint, groin, buttocks, or thigh.

  2. Stiffness: Difficulty moving the hip joint or decreased range of motion.

  3. Swelling: Inflammation or swelling in the hip area.

  4. Difficulty Walking: Trouble bearing weight on the affected leg or limping while walking.Locking or Catching Sensation: Feeling of the hip joint catching or locking with movement.

Treatment.

Treatment for hip pain aims to alleviate symptoms, improve mobility, and address the underlying cause. Depending on the severity and cause of the pain, treatment options may include:

  • Conservative Management: Initially, conservative treatments such as rest, ice therapy, physical therapy, and over-the-counter pain medications may be recommended to relieve symptoms and improve function.

  • Intra-Articular Injections: Corticosteroid injections or hyaluronic acid injections delivered directly into the hip joint can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.

  • Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and stretching techniques prescribed by a physical therapist can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the hip joint, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.

  • Minimally Invasive Procedures: For patients who do not respond to conservative treatments, minimally invasive procedures such as hip joint aspiration, hip joint injections, or radiofrequency ablation may be recommended to target and disrupt pain signals.

  • Surgery: In severe cases or when conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgical options such as hip arthroscopy, hip resurfacing, or total hip replacement surgery may be considered to address underlying structural issues and alleviate hip pain.

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