Why Does My Hip Hurt?

If you’re dealing with nagging hip pain that just won’t go away, you’re not alone. 

Hip pain is an incredibly common complaint that affects people of all ages. The causes can range from muscle strains to arthritis. The good news is that with proper diagnosis and treatment from an orthopaedic specialist, most cases of hip pain can be resolved.

At Boston Orthopaedic and Spine, we understand how debilitating hip pain can be. It can make everyday activities like walking, bending over, or even sleeping difficult. That’s why our team is fully committed to getting to the root cause of your hip pain and crafting a treatment plan tailored specifically for you.

What Causes Hip Pain?

There are a number of underlying culprits behind painful hips, including:

• Muscle strains – Tight hip flexors or strained hamstrings, groin muscles, and glutes can radiate pain into the hip area.
• Bursitis – Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) around the hip joint.
• Arthritis – Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis commonly affect the hip joint.
• Labral tears – The labrum cartilage in the hip socket can tear, causing pain and instability.
• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) – Extra bone growth restricts hip joint motion, leading to pain.
• Trochanteric bursitis – Inflammation of the bursa near the outer hip bone.
• Referred pain from the back – Lumbar issues like spinal stenosis can radiate pain into the hip.

How We Evaluate and Treat Hip Pain

At Boston Orthopaedic and Spine, our orthopaedic experts will perform a thorough history and physical examination to hone in on what’s causing your hip discomfort. We may order imaging tests like x-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to visualize the soft tissues and bone structures.

Once we determine the exact cause of your pain, we can create a customized treatment plan. 

Nonsurgical options include:

• Physical therapy – Stretches and exercises to improve strength and range of motion.
• Medications – Oral NSAIDs, cortisone injections to relieve inflammation.
• Bracing – May help stabilize arthritis or support muscle strains.

For more severe cases, hip surgery such as arthroscopic repair, osteotomy, resurfacing, or total hip replacement may provide lasting pain relief and improved function. Our experienced surgeons have successfully performed thousands of hip procedures.

Don’t Let Hip Pain Slow You Down

If hip pain is interfering with your daily life, we encourage you to call Boston Orthopaedic and Spine today to schedule a consultation. Our compassionate providers will thoroughly assess your hip and explain your treatment options. With proper care, you can get back to pain-free movement and activity!