Hip Pain

What causes hip pain?

Hip pain originates in various locations in and around your joint, which means your pain may occur in different places. If you feel the pain inside your hip or in the groin area, the underlying problem is in the hip joint.

When you have pain on the outer side of your hip, upper thigh, or buttocks, you have a problem with the muscles and ligaments supporting the joint. However, you can also feel hip pain even when you have a healthy hip. For example, lower back and knee problems cause hip pain.

Most hip pain arises from a sudden injury, repetitive use injury, or degenerative joint disease. A few of the most common conditions responsible for hip pain include:

• Arthritis
• Labral tear
• Synovitis
• Bursitis
• Infections
• Tendonitis
• Hip dysplasia
• Strains and sprains
• Hip fractures and dislocations

A painful condition called osteonecrosis occurs when the upper part of the femur (thighbone) loses its blood supply.

What symptoms accompany hip pain?

The problems that cause hip pain often result in additional symptoms, such as:

• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Muscle weakness
• Limited movement or limping
• Grinding or clicking during hip movement
• Pain that’s worse when you’re active

Your pain may also feel worse when lying on the affected hip.

How is hip pain treated?

Pioneer Peak Orthopedics specialists review your medical history, examine your hip, and perform diagnostic tests, such as X-rays. Once they diagnose the cause of your hip pain, they develop a customized treatment plan that meets your unique healthcare needs.

A hip fracture, ligament tear, or other serious injury may need immediate surgery. Otherwise, your treatment begins with conservative therapies.

You may need to temporarily change your activities, take anti-inflammatory medications, use an assistive device, or start physical therapy. Pioneer Peak Orthopedics also offers corticosteroid and hyaluronic injections.

If your pain persists or worsens, your provider may recommend surgery. Patients with advanced arthritis need joint replacement surgery. For other hip problems, your provider may recommend arthroscopy.

How does arthroscopy relieve hip pain?

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure to examine the hip joint, diagnose the cause of your pain, and perform surgery to repair the problem. Your provider makes a small incision and inserts a slim, camera-equipped scope into the joint.

The scope sends magnified images from inside the joint to a monitor. If you need surgery, your provider repairs the problem by inserting instruments through another small incision.

If you suffer a hip injury or struggle with hip pain, don’t wait to get help. Call Pioneer Peak Orthopedics to book an appointment today.