Hip Pain

Whether it strikes suddenly or develops gradually, hip pain can disrupt your daily routine, making it hard to walk, climb stairs, sleep, or even sit comfortably. As a major weight-bearing joint with a wide range of motion, the hip plays a crucial role in your mobility, and when it hurts, it can significantly impact your quality of life.

What does hip pain feel like?

Hip pain can vary depending on the underlying condition. It might feel:

• Sharp or stabbing
• Dull and achy
• Located deep in the joint or on the outer side of the hip
• Radiating into the groin, thigh, or buttock
• Worse with activity or worse at night

The location and quality of your pain are key clues to what might be causing it.

Common causes of hip pain

Hip pain can stem from the joint itself or the soft tissues surrounding it. Some of the most common causes include:

Joint-related causes

• Hip arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis)
• Hip labral tear
• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
• Hip dysplasia
• Avascular necrosis (AVN)
• Hip fracture or dislocation

Soft tissue & muscle-related causes

• Hip bursitis
• Tendinitis or tendon tears (gluteal, iliopsoas)
• Muscle strains or overuse injuries
• Snapping hip syndrome

Nerve-related or referred pain

• Sciatica
• Spinal issues (herniated discs, spinal stenosis)
• Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction

When to see a specialist

Not all hip pain requires a doctor’s visit, but certain symptoms should prompt a closer look:

• Pain lasting more than a few days
• Difficulty bearing weight or walking
• Joint stiffness or loss of motion
• Swelling or warmth around the hip
• Pain that wakes you up at night
• Recent injury or fall

If you’re unsure, it’s always better to be evaluated early. Prompt treatment can prevent worsening symptoms and long-term damage.

How is hip pain diagnosed?

At Iowa Ortho, our specialists begin with a detailed history and physical exam. To get a clearer picture of what’s going on inside your joint, we may also use:

• X-rays to evaluate bone health and joint spacing
• MRI or CT scans to assess soft tissues and cartilage
• Ultrasound for dynamic imaging of tendons and bursae
• Injections are used to both relieve pain and confirm the pain source

Treatment options

Your treatment will depend on the cause and severity of your pain. Many hip conditions respond well to conservative care.

Non-surgical treatment

• Rest and activity modification
• Physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve mobility
• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroid injections for pain relief
• Assistive devices, like a cane or walker, if needed

Surgical treatment

If non-surgical options don’t provide relief, surgery may be recommended for:

• Hip labral repair or hip arthroscopy for impingement or tears
• Hip resurfacing or total hip replacement for severe arthritis or AVN
• Fracture repair for traumatic injuries

At Iowa Ortho, we offer minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures to help patients recover faster and with less pain.

How Iowa Ortho can help

Hip pain can slow you down, but it doesn’t have to stop you. At Iowa Ortho, our comprehensive approach includes expert diagnosis, on-site imaging, and individualized treatment plans to address the root cause of your pain. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or recovering from an injury, our expert, fellowship-trained team is here to help you move forward.

Call Iowa Ortho at 515-247-8400 or schedule an appointment online today.