Total Spine and Orthopedics logo
Free MRI Review
Schedule a Consultation

Hip Pain

Hip pain is one of the most common types of pain adults experience. Arthritis, sports or trauma-related injuries, and aging can all contribute, and pain felt in the hip sometimes starts in the lower back. Using a physical examination and the latest imaging, our orthopedic physicians identify the cause and build a customized treatment plan, from conservative care to minimally invasive hip replacement.

What Causes Hip Pain?

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint where the head of the thigh bone fits into the pelvis. It is lined with smooth cartilage, rimmed by a ring of cartilage called the labrum, and surrounded by strong muscles, tendons, and fluid-filled sacs (bursae). Wear or injury to any of these can cause pain.
 
Pain felt in the groin or front of the hip usually comes from the joint itself, such as osteoarthritis or a labral tear. Pain on the outside of the hip is often bursitis or tendon irritation. Pain in the buttock may come from the lower back or SI joint.

Treatments For Hip Pain

A variety of surgical and non-surgical treatments are available. The treatment recommended depends on the diagnosis.

Non-surgical care

  • Activity modification. Reduces stress on the joint.
  • Physical therapy. Strengthens the hip and core muscles.
  • Anti-inflammatory medication. Reduces pain and inflammation.
  • Injections. Calm an inflamed joint or bursa.

Surgical options

Same-day, outpatient hip replacement is available for select candidates.

Request A Consultation

How Hip Pain is Diagnosed

Evaluation begins with a history of the pain and a physical examination of range of motion, strength, gait, and the specific movements that reproduce the pain. X-rays show arthritis and the shape of the joint. MRI shows the labrum, cartilage, tendons, and bursae, and helps rule out a source in the lower back.
 
If you already have MRI imaging, you can sign up for our free MRI review. Our team will examine your imaging, answer your questions, and help point you toward effective treatment.
Click Here For A Free MRI Review
Woman holding the side of her painful hip

Common Causes Of Hip Pain

Hip pain can be brought on by injury, wear, or conditions affecting the tissues around the joint. Common causes include:

Osteoarthritis

Wear of the hip cartilage causes groin pain and stiffness.

Hip labral tears

A torn labrum causes deep pain, catching, or locking.

Bursitis and tendonitis

Inflammation on the outside of the hip.

Sports or traumatic injury

Strains, falls, and fractures.

Aging

Gradual wear of the joint and surrounding tissues.

Referred pain

From the lower back or SI joint.

Lowering your risk: take safety precautions during sports, maintain a healthy weight, and keep up regular exercise that builds strength and flexibility.

Where Hip Pain Is Felt

The location of hip pain is an important clue to its source.

Groin or front

The joint itself

Osteoarthritis, labral tears, and other problems inside the hip joint.

Outside of the hip

Soft tissues

Bursitis and tendon irritation around the bony point of the hip.

Buttock or back

Often the spine

The lower back or SI joint, sometimes with pain down the leg.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common causes of hip pain?

Common causes include osteoarthritis, labral tears, bursitis, tendonitis, muscle strains, and injuries from sports or falls. Pain felt in the hip can also come from the lower back or sacroiliac joint.

How can I tell if hip pain is coming from my back?

Pain from the hip joint itself is often felt in the groin or front of the hip and worsens with walking or rotating the leg. Pain from the lower back or SI joint is more often felt in the buttock and may travel down the leg.

Can hip pain be treated without surgery?

Yes. Many patients improve with physical therapy, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, and injections. Surgery is considered when pain persists or the joint is badly damaged.

When is hip replacement considered?

Hip replacement is considered when arthritis or damage to the joint causes pain that limits daily life despite conservative care. Total Spine and Orthopedics offers minimally invasive total hip replacement.

What are the benefits of minimally invasive hip replacement?

Smaller incisions and less disruption of the surrounding muscle and soft tissue can mean less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery. Same-day, outpatient surgery is an option for select candidates.

How is hip pain diagnosed?

A physical examination tests motion, strength, and the movements that reproduce pain. X-rays show arthritis and bone shape, and MRI shows the labrum, cartilage, and soft tissues.

Can hip pain be prevented?

Not all hip pain is preventable, but a healthy weight, regular exercise, strength and flexibility work, and safety precautions during sports reduce the risk.

Where can I be seen for hip pain?

Total Spine and Orthopedics treats hip pain in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville. Call (321) 499-4646 to schedule an evaluation.

Signs Your Hip Needs Attention

See an orthopedic specialist when hip pain:

  • Lasts more than a few weeks or keeps returning.
  • Limits walking, stairs, or getting in and out of a car.
  • Causes stiffness or loss of motion in the joint.
  • Wakes you at night or hurts when lying on that side.
  • Comes with catching, locking, or a feeling of instability.
Schedule A Consultation
Woman at home holding her side with hip pain

Related Conditions

Hip Labral Tears

A labral tear is an injury to the tissue between the socket and ball portions of the hip joint. This tear can cause a variety of symptoms including intense pain, difficulty moving your hip, and reduced mobility of the hip.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly occurs in the hips, knees, and hands.

Joint Pain

Pain in the joints is a very common symptom often experienced in the feet, hips, spine, knees, or hands. In addition to pain, joint stiffness, as well as a burning or throbbing sensation in or near the joints, are also commonly associated with joint-related issues. It is important to note that in many cases the pain or burning sensation may not be constant but can increase or decrease depending on activity.

Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are a common occurrence, especially among athletes and active individuals. Whether it's a sprained ankle, a torn ligament, or a broken bone, sports injuries can sideline even the most seasoned athlete and impact their ability to perform at their best. Orthopedic treatments are often the go-to solution for these types of injuries, helping individuals get back on their feet and back to the sport they love.

Knee Pain

Knee Pain is a common symptom that can be caused by a wide variety of conditions ranging from sports injuries to tendonitis or certain medical conditions such as arthritis. The best way to determine the exact cause and available treatment methods for your specific situation is to have a diagnosis done by an expert physician such as our team of doctors here at Total Spine.

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can come from rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, frozen shoulder, or a pinched nerve in the neck, and it can limit sleep and daily tasks.

Meniscus Tears

Meniscus tears are a common injury to the knee, often caused by twisting or bending the knee forcefully. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone and the shin bone. It helps to distribute weight evenly across the knee joint and provides stability.

Runner’s Knee

Runner's knee is a common injury among runners and athletes. It occurs when the knee joint experiences excessive stress or wear and tear, leading to pain, inflammation, and discomfort. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for runner's knee.

Rotator Cuff Tears

A rotator cuff tear is a very common condition in the shoulder that can cause recurring pain, weakness, and a variety of other symptoms. When the tissues connecting muscles in the shoulder to bone, commonly known as tendons, become damaged or "torn", it can create a sensation of pain or weakness. The severity and symptoms of the tear can vary depending on what caused the tear to form and other factors.

Shoulder Labral Tears

Shoulder labral tears are a common injury that can cause pain and limited mobility in the shoulder joint. The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the socket of the shoulder blade (scapula), which helps to deepen the socket and stabilize the shoulder joint. A tear in this cartilage can occur due to injury, degeneration, or overuse, causing pain, weakness, and instability in the shoulder.

SLAP Tears

SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) tears are a type of shoulder injury that affects the labrum, the cartilage that surrounds the shoulder joint. The labrum helps to stabilize the joint and provides a surface for the shoulder blade to move on. A SLAP tear occurs when the labrum is damaged, usually from a traumatic event such as a fall or a sports injury.

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain

If you’ve heard of SI Joint Pain, you may know that it is one of the most common causes of chronic back pain. According to some estimates, as much as 24% of back pain originates from the SI Joint and related issues. The actual causes of this SI-Joint originating pain can vary greatly from age related issues to injury, or spinal abnormalities.

When Hip Pain Needs Surgery

The Minimally Invasive Advantage

How minimally invasive hip replacement compares with the traditional approach.

Traditional approachMinimally invasiveOffered at Total Spine
IncisionA longer incision to expose the joint.Smaller incisions.
Muscle and soft tissueMore muscle and soft tissue disruption.Less disruption to the surrounding muscle and tissue.
Postoperative painMore pain early in recovery.Less pain for most patients.
Hospital stayTypically one or more nights in the hospital.A shorter stay; same-day, outpatient surgery for select candidates.
RecoveryA longer return to daily activity.A faster recovery and return to daily activity.

When arthritis has worn the hip joint, minimally invasive total hip replacement can mean smaller incisions, less pain, and a faster recovery.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • Minimally invasive hip replacement

    Our surgeons offer minimally invasive total hip replacement, with same-day surgery for select candidates.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

Schedule your visit online

Take the next step and schedule an appointment today

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
Do you want to be contacted via text message?