Hip Pain & Injury Treatment Options

As the body’s largest ball-and-socket joint, the hip is built to handle repetitive motion and withstand significant stress. However, over time, factors like aging and overuse can wear down the cartilage, exhaust the muscles, and weaken the tendons. Sudden injuries, such as traumatic falls, can also result in hip fractures. These issues can lead to pain that disrupts everyday activities and limits athletic performance.

Hip injuries affect people of all ages. Young athletes may suffer from overuse or trauma, while older adults often face weakened hip joints and an increased risk of falls. At Access Sports Medicine, we focus on identifying the root cause of hip pain and providing the least invasive treatment options to help restore function and alleviate discomfort.

causes of hip pain

Common Causes of Hip Pain and Injuries

  • Arthritis: Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, occurs when hip cartilage wears down, causing pain and stiffness.
  • Femoral Acetabular Impingement (FAI): FAI happens when abnormal hip bone structure causes joint friction, leading to pain and stiffness. It can result in arthritis or labral tears if not treated.
  • Bursitis: Bursitis is inflammation of the hip’s bursae, causing sharp pain on the outer hip due to repetitive motion. Rest and anti-inflammatory treatments can help.
  • Iliotibial Band Syndrome: ITBS occurs when the iliotibial band becomes tight, leading to hip and knee pain, particularly in athletes.
    Tendinitis: Hip tendinitis is caused by overuse, leading to tendon inflammation and pain. Without treatment, it can become a chronic issue.
  • Labral Tears: Labral tears damage the cartilage around the hip socket, causing pain and reduced motion.
  • Bone Fractures: Hip fractures result from trauma or falls, especially in older adults, causing severe pain and requiring surgery.
  • Cartilage Damage: Cartilage damage leads to pain and stiffness in the hip. Over time, this can cause arthritis and joint dysfunction.

Hip injuries can affect the joint or surrounding muscles and ligaments, and some can become chronic due to wear and tear. Early treatment is key to preventing long-term issues.

Diagnosing Hip Pain: When to Seek Treatment

The first step in evaluating hip pain is identifying its cause. Did it result from sudden trauma, or has it gradually developed or worsened over time? A physical examination is essential to assess the hip joint’s function and detect any abnormalities or deficits.

In addition, your physician may order imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds to get a clearer picture of the hip joint and pinpoint the exact cause of the pain.

A seemingly minor issue can become more serious if left untreated. If hip pain persists after rest, it’s important to have it evaluated to determine the injury’s severity and the best course of treatment.

Effective Treatments for Hip Pain and Injury

hip pain and injury treatment options

Non-Surgical Hip Pain Treatment

The severity of the hip pain will determine the exact course of non-surgical hip pain treatment, but many orthopaedic hip injuries can be successfully treated with:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Temporary changes in activity
  • Biologics and injections
  • Physical therapy
  • Exercise to strengthen leg muscles
  • RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation)

Arthroscopic Hip Surgery for Severe Hip Injuries

For hip pain and injuries that can’t be solved non-surgically, hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical option. In hip arthroscopy, the joint is accessed through small incisions, and an arthroscope (small camera) is inserted to take images. The surgeon then uses the images to guide miniature surgical instruments.

Hip arthroscopy can be used to treat many conditions including:

  • Labral tears – a tear in the cushioning of the joint.
  • Synovitis – inflamed tissues that surround the hip joint.
  • Snapping hip syndrome – when a tendon rubs across the outside of a joint.
  • Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) – a condition where an extra bone develops along the acetabulum or the femoral head.

Take Control of Your Hip Pain—Get Started Today!

Ready to take the first step towards relief? Contact Access Sports Medicine today to schedule your consultation for personalized hip pain and injury treatment options. Let our team help you regain your mobility and get back to the activities you love!

Why Choose Access Sports Medicine?

Experienced Team: Our physicians are specialists in sports medicine and orthopedic care.
Comprehensive Care: From diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation, we offer everything you need under one ro of.
Personalized Approach: Your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Convenient Locations: We have clinics throughout New Hampshire to serve you.

Locations

Auburn, NH Ambulatory Surgery Center

45 Dartmouth Dr.
Auburn, New Hampshire 03032

Dover, NH Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Clinic

19 Webb Place
Dover, NH 03820

Rochester, NH Physical Therapy

120 Washington Street Suite 101
Rochester, NH 03839

Portsmouth, NH Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Clinic (Walk-In Clinic Available)

155 Borthwick Avenue, Suite 102
Portsmouth, NH 03801

Raymond, NH Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Clinic

6 Freetown Road
Raymond, NH 03077

Exeter, NH Orthopaedic Clinic (Walk-In Clinic Available)

1 Hampton Road
Exeter, NH 03833

95%

The percentage of hip fractures caused by falling, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Managing Hip Pain

There are many treatment options available for the various hip conditions that may be causing pain. Our orthopaedic physicians can determine the best plan to help patients manage hip pain and resume daily activities.

Our staff understands and recognizes the importance of providing current and accurate workers’ compensation information and patient progress reports in a timely manner. Above all, our focus is on the recovery process and getting patients back to work quickly.

Request an Appointment

Joshua A. Siegel, MD

Knee & Shoulder

Dr. Siegel is an award-winning surgeon with more than 20 years of experience. He is a US Olympic Committee team physician, a US ski team physician and covers USGA and PGA tour events. Locally, he is the team physician for several high schools, including Phillips Exeter Academy.

Meet Dr. Siegel

David Davis, MD

Knee & Shoulder

Dr. Davis specializes in the treatment of sports-related injuries and has contributed to numerous scholarly publications. His experience includes working as an assistant team physician for the Boston Celtics and Tufts University football and hockey programs. Currently, he is a team physician for several New Hampshire Seacoast high schools.

Meet Dr. Davis

What is FAI (femoral acetabular impingement)?

This condition occurs when an extra bone grows along the bones that form the hip joint. Because the extra bone prevents the rest from fitting together comfortably, movement and activity can cause pain. There are non-surgical and surgical options for treating this condition.

Do I need hip replacement surgery?

When non-surgical treatment options like physical therapy are ineffective, patients may be ideal candidates for hip replacement surgery. An orthopaedic surgeon will determine the how successful a hip replacement could be by assessing the patient’s overall health and activity level.

How long does it take to recover from hip pain?

The recovery time from hip pain or injury varies significantly depending on the underlying cause, the severity of the injury, and the type of treatment received.

For minor strains or sprains, recovery may take a few days to a couple of weeks with rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory treatments.

Conditions like bursitis or tendinitis may require several weeks to a few months to heal, depending on the individual’s adherence to treatment and physical therapy.

For more severe injuries, such as labral tears or hip fractures that require surgery, recovery can take several months. Post-surgical rehabilitation typically involves physical therapy to regain strength and mobility and may last anywhere from 3 to 6 months or longer.