Chronic hip pain that interferes with daily activities — or seems to be getting worse over time — could be a sign of a serious underlying condition. If this sounds familiar, it may be time to see an orthopedic hip specialist.
The Most Common Cause: Arthritis Arthritis is the leading cause of hip pain. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage that cushions the hip joint gradually wears away, eventually leading to painful bone-on-bone contact within the ball-and-socket joint. This can make everyday activities like walking, tying your shoes, getting in and out of a car, and even sleeping through the night increasingly difficult. Over time, arthritis can also cause joint deformity that severely limits mobility.
When to Seek Immediate Care Not all hip pain develops gradually. Acute hip pain following a traumatic injury should be evaluated as soon as possible — especially if it is accompanied by a popping or clicking sound, swelling, warmth, or redness around the joint.
Treatment Options Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the hip pain:
- Soft tissue injuriessuch as ligament or tendon tears can often be treated arthroscopically, a minimally invasive approach that addresses the damage while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.
- Early-stage arthritismay respond well to injection-based treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or cortisone injections to reduce pain and inflammation.
- End-stage arthritisis typically treated with total hip replacement, during which the damaged portions of the joint are replaced with durable, long-lasting implants. Using minimally invasive techniques, most patients experience significant pain relief and return to normal activities with minimal delay.
If hip pain is affecting your quality of life, an evaluation with a hip specialist can identify the underlying cause and guide you toward the most effective treatment plan.
Q1: When should I see a doctor for hip pain? You should seek evaluation from an orthopedic hip specialist if hip pain is chronic, interfering with daily activities like walking, tying your shoes, or getting in and out of a car, or appears to be worsening over time. Acute hip pain following a traumatic injury — particularly if accompanied by a popping or clicking sound, swelling, warmth, or redness — should be evaluated as soon as possible, as these signs may indicate a more serious underlying condition requiring prompt treatment.
Q2: What is the most common cause of chronic hip pain? Arthritis is the most common cause of chronic hip pain. Osteoarthritis in particular involves the gradual wearing away of cartilage in the hip joint, eventually leading to painful bone-on-bone contact within the ball-and-socket joint. Beyond pain, arthritis can cause progressive joint deformity that severely limits mobility and makes everyday activities like walking, sleeping comfortably, and basic movements increasingly difficult over time.
Q3: What are the non-surgical treatment options for hip pain? Non-surgical treatment options depend on the underlying cause and severity of hip pain. Soft tissue injuries such as ligament or tendon tears can often be addressed arthroscopically with minimal disruption to surrounding healthy tissue. For chronic hip pain caused by early-stage arthritis, injection-based treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or cortisone injections can provide meaningful pain relief and help patients maintain function without the need for major surgery.
Q4: What does total hip replacement involve and who needs it? Total hip replacement is typically recommended for patients with end-stage arthritis where conservative treatments are no longer providing adequate relief and quality of life is significantly impacted. During the procedure, the damaged portions of the hip joint are replaced with durable long-lasting implants using minimally invasive surgical techniques. Most patients experience significant and lasting pain relief following surgery and are able to return to normal daily activities with minimal delay compared to traditional open surgical approaches.
Q5: Can hip pain be treated with minimally invasive surgery? Yes. Many hip conditions today can be treated using minimally invasive techniques that avoid the large incisions and extensive muscle disruption associated with traditional open surgery. Hip arthroscopy allows surgeons to address soft tissue injuries like labral tears and ligament damage through small incisions, while minimally invasive hip replacement techniques enable implant placement with less tissue trauma and faster recovery. The most appropriate approach depends on the specific diagnosis and severity of the condition, which a hip specialist can determine through a thorough evaluation.