If you’re struggling with persistent hip pain, you’re not alone. Studies show that as many as 41% of older adults struggle with either hip or knee pain, with a significant number reporting daily discomfort for 6 weeks or longer. 

Hip pain can be debilitating, impacting your mood, mobility, and overall quality of life. Leading spine and orthopedic specialist Dr. Hooman Melamed offers advanced solutions for effective hip pain relief. In this article, we’ll cover the causes, symptoms, and modern treatments available today.

Understanding Hip Pain

The hip is one of the body’s largest weight-bearing joints. Designed for both stability and mobility, it connects the femur (thigh bone) to the pelvis through a ball-and-socket structure. When this joint or its surrounding muscles, tendons, or ligaments are injured or break down over time, pain can develop.

Hip pain comes in a variety of forms. It might present as a stabbing pain during movement, a dull ache while resting, stiffness upon waking, or even a radiating pain into the groin, thigh, or buttocks. It can even present with just knee pain, thinking something is wrong with the knee, but actually pain being referred from the hip.  Understanding the source of your hip discomfort is critical to choosing the right treatment.

Common Causes of Hip Pain

Hip pain can arise from a range of different conditions, from acute injuries to chronic diseases. Some of the most common culprits include:

• Arthritis: Pain and inflammation of the joints cause arthritis. It’s common in the hip and may result from different types, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, septic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or osteoarthritis (discussed next).
• Osteoarthritis: A type of arthritis, this condition happens when cartilage in the hip joint breaks down over time. It’s a leading cause of hip pain, affecting about 7% to 10% of adults over the age of 45. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 adults will develop symptomatic hip osteoarthritis at some point during their lifetime.
• Bursitis: Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint. When inflammation affects the bursae in the hips, it can lead to hip pain. 
• Labral tears: Damage to the labrum (cartilage surrounding the hip socket) can cause mechanical symptoms like clicking or popping sounds when you move your hip. It’s common in athletes and people who’ve had a fall or a car accident.
• Fractures: Hip fractures are more common in older adults and require urgent medical attention.
• Referred pain: When hip pain is caused by problems in other parts of the body, such as the lower back, it’s known as referred pain.

As the global population increases in age, so do the rates of age-related causes of hip pain, including osteoarthritis. Researchers estimate that rates of osteoarthritis are expected to rise by 60% to 100% by the year 2050. 

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Hip Pain

Symptoms of hip pain can vary depending on the root cause. Common signs and symptoms might include:

• Groin pain
• Thigh or buttock discomfort
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion
• Swelling or tenderness around the hip
• Difficulty wearing weight on one leg
• Limping
• Knee pain

To get an accurate diagnosis, Dr. Melamed will conduct a thorough clinical evaluation, review your complete medical history, and order the appropriate imaging tests such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans. In some cases, diagnostic injections may help to pinpoint the source of your pain by temporarily numbing certain structures.

Treatment Options for Hip Pain

Dr. Melamed’s approach to treating hip pain is comprehensive and personalized to every patient. He may use a combination of nonsurgical and surgical approaches, depending on your specific situation. In most cases, he prefers to start with more conservative approaches. These might include:

• Physical therapy: Tailored exercise programs to target improved strength, flexibility, and joint stability.
• Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid injections can ease inflammation and pain in the hip.
• Lifestyle modifications: Weight management, low-impact exercise, and ergonomic adjustments can significantly reduce hip stress.
• Pain management devices: With the global pain management devices market valued at $7.65 billion in 2024 and expected to grow by nearly 10% by 2030, at-home pain management devices such as trans-cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) devices are becoming a popular, non-invasive option.

When conservative measures don’t cut it, Dr. Melamed may recommend surgical interventions. He specializes in minimally invasive techniques that promote faster recovery and less postoperative downtime. The team will walk you through all your options, including the risks, benefits, and potential complications of each procedure. These might include:

• Minimally invasive surgery: For patients whose hip pain is a result of or aggravated by lower back issues, Dr. Melamed offers cutting-edge minimally invasive spinal surgery options. By using small incisions and specialized instruments, he can treat underlying spinal problems that cause hip pain without causing extensive damage to surrounding muscles and tissues. This approach not only reduces post-surgical pain and lowers complication risks but also promotes faster recovery.
• Ultra-minimally invasive biportal endoscopic spine surgery (BESS): Dr. Melamed offers a revolutionary approach known as BESS, which can preserve stability, minimize tissue damage, and reduce recovery time, allowing patients to avoid more invasive measures. By decompressing pinched nerves without sacrificing normal anatomy, BESS can alleviate referred hip pain. This may be used if hip pain stems from nerve compression in the lower spine. 

When To See a Doctor and Preventive Measures

Certain signs may indicate when it’s time to seek professional help for hip pain. Persistent pain lasting longer than 2 weeks, pain that worsens with activity or prevents normal movement, or difficulty sleeping due to hip discomfort are good reasons to see a doctor. Additionally, if you experience swelling, redness, or warmth around the hip joint or have suffered a recent fall or injury, it’s a good idea to book an appointment with a doctor. 

If you’re looking to stay on top of your hip health through preventative measures, there are certain things you can do to prevent joint damage and improve long-term outcomes. These include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce joint stress
• Incorporating strength and flexibility exercises into your routine
• Using proper technique when lifting heavy objects
• Taking breaks during repetitive activities to avoid overuse injuries

Book an Appointment With Dr. Melamed

Dr. Hooman Melamed is renowned for his expertise in the treatment of hip joint pain, offering innovative, patient-centered care designed to get you back to the activities you love. Request an appointment today to take the first step toward healing.