Hip Pain

Hip pain refers to discomfort in or around the hip joint — one of the body’s major weight-bearing joints. Pain may occur in the front, side, or back of the hip and can also be felt in the groin, thigh, or knee. The hip plays a key role in walking, standing, and many everyday activities. Because of this constant use, even mild hip pain can affect mobility and quality of life.

Common Causes of Hip Pain

Hip pain can have many causes, ranging from acute injury to chronic conditions:

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of hip pain in older adults due to cartilage breakdown.
Autoimmune arthritis (like rheumatoid arthritis) can also inflame the hip joint. Symptoms often include aching pain and stiffness.

Bursitis

Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion hip tissues — especially trochanteric bursitis — leads to pain on the outside of the hip.

Tendonitis & Muscle Strain

Overuse or repetitive movement can inflame tendons or strain muscles around the hip.

Labral Tears

The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the hip socket. Tears can occur from injury or degeneration and cause pain, clicking, or stiffness.

Hip Impingement

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) happens when the ball and socket don’t fit perfectly, leading to cartilage damage and pain.

Fractures & Acute Injury

Falls, trauma, or weakened bones (especially in older adults) can result in hip fractures that require urgent care.

Other Causes

Avascular necrosis: loss of blood supply to hip bone tissue
Referred pain from the lower back or sacroiliac joint
Structural or congenital conditions like hip dysplasia

Symptoms of Hip Pain

Hip pain symptoms vary depending on the cause, but common signs include:

Pain in the groin, thigh, buttocks, or outside hip
Stiffness or decreased range of motion
Pain with walking, climbing stairs, or standing
Swelling or tenderness around the hip
Pain that worsens at night or during activity

Some people may also notice weakness or “giving way,” especially when nerves are involved.

How Is Hip Pain Diagnosed?

A proper diagnosis begins with a medical history and physical exam to determine pain location, movement limitations, and possible triggers.

Imaging & Tests

X-rays to check for arthritis, fractures, or structural changes
MRI or CT scans to see soft tissues, labrum, and cartilage
Ultrasound for tendon and bursa evaluation
Bone density testing, when appropriate

Accurate diagnosis helps guide the most effective treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Hip Pain

Conservative & Self-Care

For many causes of hip pain, initial approaches include:

Activity Modification & Rest
Avoiding motions that worsen pain and modifying daily activities.

Medications

NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory pain relievers)
Pain relievers for comfort
These help reduce pain and inflammation.

Heat & Ice
Cold packs reduce swelling; warm baths or heat can ease stiffness.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy focuses on:

Strengthening muscles around the hip
Improving flexibility and balance
Restoring normal movement patterns

Exercises help support the joint and may prevent future pain. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and cycling can also help.

Injections & Interventional Pain Treatments

For persistent or significant pain, targeted treatments may provide relief:

Corticosteroid Injections
Reduce inflammation directly in the joint or bursa.

Hyaluronic Acid or Regenerative Injections
May improve joint lubrication and support tissue healing.

These can provide weeks to months of relief depending on the condition.

Advanced & Minimally Invasive Procedures

When conservative care isn’t sufficient, options may include:

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) to disrupt pain signals
Arthroscopy for labral tears or internal joint issues

These procedures aim to reduce pain while preserving mobility.

Surgical Options

Surgery may be recommended if conservative and interventional approaches fail, or if there’s structural damage such as severe arthritis or fractures:

Hip arthroscopy (minimally invasive repair)
Total hip replacement for advanced arthritis or joint destruction

A surgical specialist determines the best approach based on imaging and symptoms.

Prognosis — What to Expect

Hip pain can often be effectively managed with a tailored plan that includes physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, pain management strategies, and, when needed, interventional procedures. Early treatment improves outcomes and helps preserve mobility.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Seek urgent evaluation if you experience:

Sudden, severe pain after a fall or injury
Inability to bear weight on the leg
Significant swelling, deformity, or redness
Fever with hip pain (possible infection)

These symptoms may indicate serious injury or infection.

FAQs

Can hip pain come from the back?

Yes — sometimes hip pain is referred from the lower back or pelvis, meaning the source isn’t the hip joint itself.

Is walking good for hip pain?

Generally, low-impact activities like walking can help maintain strength and mobility, but adjustments should be based on pain level and diagnosis.

How long does hip pain last?

Duration varies widely. Acute pain from injury may resolve in weeks, while chronic conditions like arthritis may require ongoing management.

Get Relief from Hip Pain

If hip pain is affecting your quality of life, don’t wait. The team at Kansas Pain Management is here to help you regain your mobility and comfort with personalized care.

Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward lasting relief.

Treatment Offered By Kansas Pain Management

Kansas Pain Management offers a comprehensive pain treatment plan that is tailored to each patient’s specific needs. The first step is a thorough evaluation, which includes a medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing, if necessary.
Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, injections, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause of the pain.

Kansas Pain Management also offers a range of minimally invasive procedures to help alleviate pain and restore function. With board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians, Kansas Pain Management is committed to providing the highest quality care for patients suffering from pain. You can book an appointment with us at Overland Park, Lawrence, Leavenworth/Lansing, Roeland Park, etc. We also serve nearby locations like Ottawa, Missouri, Topeka, Belton, Manhattan, Lee’s Summit, Johnson County & Kansas areas.

FAQs

Where can hip pain be felt?

Hip pain may be felt in the groin, outer hip, thigh, or buttocks depending on the underlying cause.

What are the most common causes of hip pain?

Common causes include arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, labral tears, hip impingement (FAI), sciatica, lumbar spine issues, muscle strains, ligament injuries, and hip fractures.

Can arthritis cause hip pain?

Yes, both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are major causes of hip joint pain and stiffness.

What symptoms are commonly associated with hip pain?

Symptoms include pain in the hip or groin, stiffness, reduced mobility, difficulty walking or climbing stairs, and clicking or popping sounds.

What non-surgical treatments are available for hip pain?

Options include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, regenerative treatments like PRP or stem cell therapy, nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablation.