Hip Pain

Have you ever experienced discomfort in or around your hip joint? Hip pain can range from a minor annoyance to a significant issue that requires medical attention. We’ll now discuss the various causes of hip pain, symptoms to watch out for, and when it may be necessary to seek professional help. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, an active athlete, or simply someone striving to maintain a healthy lifestyle, understanding hip pain is paramount for your well-being.

For personalized care and expert guidance on managing hip pain, consider reaching out to our team at Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine. Our skilled professionals in Granville and Coshocton, Ohio, can assist you in navigating through any hip-related concerns and provide tailored treatment options to get you back to your active lifestyle.

Understanding Hip Pain

Hip pain could refer to any type of pain or discomfort in or around your hip joint. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint surrounded by muscles and ligaments. Hip pain can be felt in different areas of the hip. Hip pain depends on various factors, such as which part of your body is damaged.

The following are some examples of possible causes of hip pain and where the pain could be felt:

  • Muscles, tendons, and ligaments: You will usually feel pain around the hip
  • Bones and cartilage: You will feel deeper in the hip socket
 

It’s possible to have hip pain because of an injury or condition from another area of the body. This is called referred pain.

Some common conditions that cause hip pain include:

  • Hip bursitis
  • Hip fractures
  • Hip arthritis
  • Labral tears
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Spinal conditions
  • Infections
  • Avascular necrosis
 

Each condition presents its own set of symptoms and challenges, making an accurate diagnosis essential for effective treatment.

When Should You See a Doctor for Hip Pain?

You should be able to get relief from mild hip pain with over-the-counter pain relievers, rest, and using an ice pack on your hip joint. However, if your pain is increasing in intensity or the pain is making it difficult to put weight on your hip or to walk, you should seek help from a doctor.

A doctor can evaluate your pain and order an X-ray or other imaging tests to diagnose your injury. This is important to rule out a fracture or another serious condition that can lead to further problems.

Another situation in which you may need to contact your doctor is if you had hip surgery and the pain continues after your expected recovery period.

Delaying treatment for hip pain can lead to problems in other joints as you compensate by walking or moving differently.

Consider scheduling a doctor’s appointment if:

  • You’re experiencing persistent or intermittent hip discomfort.
  • Engaging in certain activities, like running, triggers hip pain.
  • You’ve noticed a decrease in your hip’s range of motion.
  • Hip pain disrupts your sleep.
 

Additionally, seek medical attention if hip pain is accompanied by:

  • Swelling, tenderness, or redness in the soft tissues surrounding the hip joint.
  • Audible popping or clicking sounds during walking or running.
  • Muscle weakness, instability, or a decrease in range of motion, coupled with stiffness.
A man requiring hip pain treatment in Newark, Ohio.

Choosing the Right Doctor for Hip Pain

An orthopedic surgeon is a good choice to consult for hip pain. Orthopedic surgeons are experts in dealing with musculoskeletal conditions. A sports medicine surgeon or orthopedic trauma surgeon is a specialist orthopedic surgeon who can help with acute hip injuries.

Some orthopedic surgeons are specialist hip replacement surgeons and can help if you think you are developing arthritis.

Treatment Options for Hip Pain

It’s often possible to treat hip pain at home. You can follow the RICE method to treat mild cases of hip pain. The RICE method is as follows:

  • Rest: Resting or activity modification can give your hip a chance to heal and prevent further damage
  • Ice: Using an ice pack can reduce swelling and pain
  • Compression: Compressing the hip joint reduces blood flow and swelling
  • Elevation: Raising your hip above heart level can also aid in the reduction of swelling
 

When hip pain is moderate to severe, you may need to seek professional treatment. Treatment may involve a combination of the following approaches:

 

In cases of severe injury or advanced arthritis, hip replacement surgery may be necessary to restore function and relieve pain.

Who Performs Hip Surgery?

An orthopedic surgeon often performs hip surgery. There are specialists according to the type of surgery needed. Some orthopedic surgeons specialize in hip replacement surgery, while others can offer surgeries for acute conditions, such as labral tears.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Don’t let hip pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards relief by scheduling an appointment at Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine in Granville and Coshocton, OH.

Our compassionate team is dedicated to helping you achieve optimal musculoskeletal health and get back to living life on your terms. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward relieving your hip pain!

Medically reviewed by Brad L. Bernacki, MD