Understanding Hip Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Introduction
Do you experience hip pain? You’re not alone. This common problem affects people of all ages, although it becomes more frequent with advancing age. One study of more than 6,500 adults aged 60 and older found that 14.3% reported significant hip pain on most days over a six-week period. Despite this being more prevalent among older adults, younger individuals can also develop discomfort around the hip joint.
At Sobel Spine and Sports, led by Dr. Jerry Sobel, we specialize in diagnosing and treating hip pain to help patients find relief and restore their quality of life.
Common Causes of Hip Pain
Some of the most frequent causes of hip pain include:
Bursitis
Tendinitis
Cartilage Tears
Arthritis
Referred pain from the low back
During your consultation, Dr. Sobel will ask detailed questions to narrow down the source of your hip pain. You might be asked about:
Where the pain is located (front, side, back, or groin area)
The nature of the pain (sharp, dull, burning)
Activities or positions that worsen or relieve discomfort (walking, lying in bed, etc.)
It’s also important to note that hip pain can sometimes originate from a pinched nerve in the lower back or even knee issues, as these areas are closely connected.
The Anatomy of the Hip
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, where:
The ball is the top of your thighbone (femur).
The socket is part of your pelvis (acetabulum).
Because the pelvis is attached to the lower back, issues in one area can affect the other. In some cases, more than one condition may be present—such as hip arthritis, bursitis, or sciatica—making a thorough evaluation essential.
Alt Text: “Detailed diagram showing a healthy hip joint, including the femoral head, acetabulum, cartilage, and surrounding soft tissues.”
What Is Bursitis?
A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between bones, muscles, and tendons. There are about 18 bursae around the hip, but the one most often associated with pain lies over the greater trochanter (the bony prominence on the outside of the hip).
Key Symptoms of Hip Bursitis:
Pain on the outside of the hip
Discomfort when lying on the affected side
Nighttime pain leading to frequent position changes
Identifying Symptoms
Pain is the most common complaint. A detailed medical history, physical exam, and sometimes imaging studies (like X-rays or MRIs) help pinpoint the cause of hip discomfort. Here are general pain patterns:
Front (Groin) Pain: Often linked to hip joint or cartilage issues (e.g., arthritis).
Side (Lateral) Pain: Commonly suggests bursitis or tendinitis. People often have pain when rising from bed, a chair, or a car.
Back (Posterior) Pain: May indicate a lower back or sacroiliac issue. Sciatica sometimes appears as pain in the buttock area, without radiating further down the leg.
Arthritis of the Hip
Osteoarthritis, often called “wear and tear” arthritis, is a typical cause of chronic hip pain in older adults. When the cartilage between the femoral head and acetabulum wears down, bone can rub on bone, leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty with everyday activities.
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid (steroid) injections can offer significant relief by reducing inflammation directly at the source. They are often used for bursitis, arthritis, or tendinitis, and can be administered under X-ray (fluoroscopic) or ultrasound guidance for precise placement.
Preparation: The area is disinfected, and a local anesthetic may be applied.
Guided Placement: Imaging helps ensure the needle is correctly positioned.
Injection: The steroid medication—often combined with a local anesthetic—is slowly injected. Relief can last for weeks or even months.
X-ray guided hip joint injection
When to Seek Help
If hip pain disrupts your daily activities, sleep, or overall quality of life, it’s time to consult a specialist. Dr. Jerry Sobel and the team at Sobel Spine and Sports offer:
Accurate Diagnosis: Identifying whether your hip pain stems from bursitis, tendinitis, arthritis, or a back-related issue.
Advanced Treatment Options: Including physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and image-guided procedures like corticosteroid injections.
Comprehensive Care Plans: Individualized to each patient’s unique needs, possibly involving lifestyle changes or minimally invasive interventions.
About Sobel Spine and Sports
At Sobel Spine and Sports, our mission is to relieve hip pain, restore mobility, and get you back to the activities you enjoy. Dr. Jerry Sobel and our dedicated team have extensive experience diagnosing and managing various musculoskeletal conditions. Using advanced diagnostic tools and the latest treatment methods, we address both acute and chronic hip pain.
Contact Us
Ready to move forward with hip pain relief?
Call (602) 385-4160 or visit our website Sobel Spine and Sports to schedule an appointment.
Find us at 4550 E Bell Road, Suite 110, Phoenix AZ, where we’re committed to providing you with specialized care and personalized treatment.
Conclusion
Hip pain can feel overwhelming, but professional guidance from Dr. Jerry Sobel at Sobel Spine and Sports can help you identify the root cause and explore targeted treatments. Whether it’s bursitis, arthritis, or tendinitis, we’ll create a plan to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance your overall well-being.
