Hip pain is a common complaint that affects millions of people of all ages, limiting mobility and interfering with daily life. Whether it’s a dull ache or sharp pain, understanding the root cause of hip pain and the best treatments can help you find relief and regain comfort.
Common Causes of Hip Pain
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of hip pain, particularly in older adults. It results from the wear and tear of the cartilage in the hip joint, leading to stiffness, swelling and pain—especially after periods of inactivity or extensive movement.
Hip Bursitis
Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion and reduce friction in joints. When these sacs become inflamed—due to repetitive motions, injury, poor posture or conditions like arthritis—it can lead to tenderness, swelling and discomfort, especially when lying on the affected side or performing specific movements. If left untreated, hip bursitis can worsen and significantly impact mobility, making it essential to address the underlying causes.
Hip Labral Tear
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the hip socket. Injury to this area, often from sports or sudden twisting motions, can cause sharp pain and a feeling of instability in the joint.
Tendinitis
Hip tendinitis is inflammation of the tendons around the hip joint, often caused by repetitive motion or overuse. It commonly affects athletes or people engaged in physically demanding activities.
Sciatica
This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, typically due to a herniated disc in the lower back. Pain can radiate from the lower back into the hip, buttocks and down the leg, making it feel like hip pain.
Fractures
Hip fractures are most common in older adults, especially those with osteoporosis. They can cause severe pain and require immediate medical attention.
Preventing Hip Pain
Preventing hip pain begins with maintaining joint health, flexibility and overall strength. By adopting healthy habits, you can reduce the risk of injury and keep your hips functioning optimally for years to come. Prevention is the most effective way to avoid hip pain and maintain long-term joint health.
Stay Active
Engaging in regular, low-impact exercises helps keep the hips strong and promotes better joint mobility. Activities like swimming, walking, yoga or cycling are gentle on the joints while improving flexibility and strength. Incorporating variety in your routine can also help reduce overuse injuries by working different muscle groups. Even simple daily stretches can go a long way in maintaining hip flexibility.
Strengthen Core and Supporting Muscles
Strong core and gluteal muscles provide stability to the hips, reducing the likelihood of strain or injury. Incorporate targeted exercises into your routine, such as planks, bridges, clamshells or side-lying leg lifts. For beginners, starting with bodyweight exercises and gradually adding resistance can help build strength without overexerting the joints.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Carrying extra weight places additional stress on the hip joints, accelerating wear and tear over time. Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise not only supports joint health but also improves overall well-being. Focus on incorporating whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains, while staying mindful of portion sizes.
Prioritize Proper Posture and Movement
Poor posture or improper movement patterns can contribute to hip strain and discomfort. Be mindful of your body mechanics, especially during activities like lifting, sitting for extended periods or exercising. Using ergonomic chairs, taking breaks to stretch and ensuring proper form during workouts can help minimize stress on the hips.
Wear Supportive Footwear
Shoes play a crucial role in joint health. Choose footwear with good arch support and cushioning to reduce the impact on your hips while walking or standing. If needed, consult with a specialist for custom orthotics tailored to your needs.
Listen to Your Body
Pay attention to early signs of discomfort or stiffness in the hips. Rest when necessary and avoid pushing through pain, as this can exacerbate injuries. Incorporating rest days into your routine can give your joints time to recover and reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
By making these small but impactful lifestyle adjustments, you can significantly reduce the risk of hip pain and maintain mobility and comfort in your daily life.
Patient-Friendly Symptom Checklist
Identifying the cause of your hip pain starts with understanding your symptoms.
- Does your hip feel stiff in the morning or after resting? (Osteoarthritis)
- Is the pain sharp and sudden after twisting or turning? (Labral Tear)
- Does the pain radiate from your back and down your leg? (Sciatica)
- Do you feel tenderness when lying on one side? (Hip Bursitis)
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider.
Treatment Options for Hip Pain
At Access HealthCare, our team is committed to helping you find relief from hip pain using comprehensive, patient-centered care. While we do not provide physical therapy or perform surgical interventions in-house, we work closely with trusted specialists in the area to ensure you have access to the most effective treatments available.
Non-Surgical Interventions
Our approach prioritizes non-surgical treatments to manage and alleviate hip pain, including:
- Medication Management
Over the counter or prescription medications, such as NSAIDs, can significantly reduce inflammation and discomfort. Our team will collaborate with you to create a personalized medication plan tailored to your specific needs. - Injection Therapy
Targeted therapies, such as cortisone injections, offer an effective way to reduce inflammation and provide relief for conditions like hip bursitis, tendinitis or arthritis. These treatments address pain at its source and help you regain mobility. - Lifestyle and Activity Modifications
Our providers may recommend ergonomic adjustments, tailored exercise routines and activity modifications to improve hip function and prevent further injury.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy plays a key role in recovering from hip pain by strengthening the muscles around the joint, improving flexibility and restoring mobility. While AHMG does not offer physical therapy directly, we refer patients to highly skilled physical therapists in the community. These specialists design personalized programs tailored to your specific needs, ensuring safe and effective care.
Surgical Intervention
In cases where surgery becomes necessary, our team works with top area surgeons to ensure our patients receive the best possible care. Surgical options, such as hip arthroscopy or total hip replacement, may be recommended when non-surgical treatments have been exhausted. We guide you through the referral process and remain involved in your care plan to ensure a smooth recovery.
Expert Care with Dr. Pieleck
Dr. Pieleck, Board-Certified in Sports Medicine and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), offers a holistic approach to musculoskeletal care. As a D.O., Dr. Pieleck emphasizes the connection between the body’s systems and integrates this philosophy into every treatment plan. Techniques like osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) can provide additional relief by addressing alignment and mobility issues, offering a well-rounded approach to managing hip pain.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Hip Pain
Certain symptoms require urgent evaluation:
- Sudden, severe hip pain after a fall or injury.
- Inability to bear weight on the affected side.
- Swelling, redness or warmth around the joint.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing long-term complications.
Hip Pain and Knee Pain: How Are They Related?
Hip and knee pain are often linked because these joints work closely together to support movement. Pain or dysfunction in the hip can alter the way you walk or move, placing additional stress on the knee. Similarly, knee problems can affect the alignment of the hip, leading to pain.
If you experience pain in both the hip and knee, it’s important to address both areas to ensure complete relief. You can read more about the connection between hip and knee pain in our Knee Pain blog.
Take Action for Hip Pain Relief
At Access HealthCare, our team of specialists is here to diagnose and treat your hip pain with a personalized approach. Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, injury or chronic overuse, we offer a range of treatments from physical therapy to advanced injection therapies to get you back on your feet.
📞 Don’t let hip pain hold you back. Call us today at 434.316.7199 to schedule a consultation or visit our website to learn more about how we can help you manage and relieve your hip pain. Let us help you get back to living your life pain free!