Hip pain is one of the most common symptoms orthopedic doctors treat. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, and the treatments for hip pain will vary depending on the underlying condition or injury among other factors.
There are many types of hip pain, from shooting pain to dull or aching pain, and the pain can be occasional or consistent. Hip pain varies in severity, from mild to severe, debilitating pain. Pain can also be felt in different areas of the hip, like the
in groin, in the joint, or on the outside of the hip/upper thigh.
Different conditions tend to produce different types of hip pain. The most common types of hip pain are experienced right in the hip joint, inside the hip, or near the groin. Hip pain in the upper buttocks or on the outside of the thigh are usually caused
by muscle, ligament, tendon, or other soft tissue conditions.
Causes of hip pain
There are many conditions and injuries that can cause hip pain. Some of the more common causes are:
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Hip fractures
- Stress fractures in the hip
- Broken hip
- Hip labral tear
- Strain of the tendon or muscle
- Groin pull or groin tear
- Bone cancer or cancer that has spread to the bone
- Piriformis syndrome
- Osteonecrosis
Hip pain relief
If your hip pain is bothering you or getting in the way of daily living (reducing range of motion, causing a limp, or keeping you from doing things you want or need to do), you may want to see a doctor to find out what you can do to get relief.
Some options for dealing with hip pain on your own include:
- Avoid repetitive movements that make the pain worse. Instead, consider lower impact exercise.
- Avoid bending at the hip, sitting for a long time, or sleeping on the affected side.
- Try over-the-counter pain relievers. Those with anti-inflammatory properties (like ibuprofen) may be more effective than acetaminophen (Tylenol), but they may have unwanted side effects. Ask your doctor before you begin taking a new medication.
- Apply ice or heat to the area of your hip pain.
- Lose extra weight. Being overweight can be stressful on your hips and other body parts, and losing weight can help reduce the stress.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
- Engage in regular exercise that includes strength training and aerobic exercise – as long as it doesn’t make your hip pain worse. Talk to your doctor about the best plan for you. Studies show that engaging in an exercise program can make
you less likely to need joint-replacement surgery versus those who don’t exercise.
If you have arthritis or bursitis in your hip, you may want to try the following:
Arthritis
- Walk or swim or engage in other low-impact exercises.
- Try resistance training.
- Do some gentle stretches every day.
- Ask about how physical therapy might help you.
Bursitis
- Avoid any activity that causes the pain or makes it worse.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication.
- Use a walker or can while walking to give you stability.
- Ask your doctor whether corticosteroid shots might be helpful for you.
If none of these options work for you to help reduce your hip pain, you may need more extensive treatment. The hip specialists at Beaumont are experts in hip treatment and hip replacement surgery, and they also use many non-surgical options to treat hip
pain.
The orthopedic hip doctors at Beaumont work through our hip program where we perform more joint replacements than anyone else in Michigan. Our surgeons are dedicated to caring for people with disabling hip joint disorders. We are among a select group
of American hospitals approved for advanced fellowship training in joint reconstruction.
Learn more about our hip program.
Hip pain resources
As experts in hip pain and treatment for the conditions that cause hip pain, we understand how important it is to you to find the right treatment for you and your lifestyle. To help you decide what’s best for you, we’ve developed some free
resources.
Download your free hip pain guide.
Connect with our orthopedic specialists
At Beaumont, our nationally recognized orthopedic surgeons are
breaking new ground and pioneering treatments that improve the lives of patients dealing with joint pain and other orthopedic condition. We have specialists in hand & wrist, hip & knee, spine, back, neck and more. Whether you’re seeking
help with an existing condition, you would like a diagnosis, or you are looking for help with recovery and rehabilitation, Beaumont joint pain doctors can help. Beaumont has orthopedic specialists who offer the treatments and services you need.
Call us at 800-633-7377 to make an appointment, or request an appointment online.