What Causes Hip Joint Pain?

Hip joint pain is very common and can stem from a variety of causes, including arthritis, bursitis, strains, sprains, fractures and other injuries. The precise location of the pain can provide a valuable clue about its underlying cause. For instance, pain on the inside of the hip or in the groin area may be caused by a joint problem, while pain on the outside of the hip or in the outer buttock area can usually be traced to an issue with a nearby soft tissue, such as a ligament, tendon or muscle.

If mild to moderate hip joint pain doesn’t respond to rest, stretching, heat and ice applications and other self-care measures, the first step toward finding effective relief is seeing a physician for an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, it is important to seek prompt medical attention if hip pain is accompanied by swelling, warmth or redness around the joint, or if:

• The pain is intense and came on very suddenly
• The pain resulted from a fall or other injury
• The hip joint appears to be deformed
• The pain makes it difficult to walk or otherwise move the hip or leg
• The hip cannot support any weight
• There is any bleeding in the area of the injury

How is hip pain treated?

Some commonly recommended nonsurgical treatment options for hip joint pain include:

• Medication – Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are often effective for managing hip pain. If further relief is needed, a physician may prescribe a more powerful NSAID, corticosteroid or biologic.
• Physical therapy – A physician or physical therapist may recommend specific stretches and strengthening exercises to enhance the flexibility and strength of the muscles that support the hip joint. A comprehensive physical therapy program may also include therapeutic massage or ultrasound therapy.
• Hip joint injections – A physician can inject a solution of local anesthetic and steroid medication directly into the hip to help reduce pain.

To address severe or debilitating hip joint pain that does not respond sufficiently to nonsurgical treatment, joint replacement surgery may be considered. For instance, a surgical procedure may be appropriate if the hip joint’s normal architecture is severely damaged by osteoarthritis.

If you’d like to learn more about treatment options for hip joint pain, contact Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine of Houston, Texas, to schedule a consultation at any of our three convenient locations in the Houston, TX, area.