Pain of the hip joint is a common and often debilitating condition that often leads to major surgery.

Classic hip joint pain hurts along the inner thigh into the pelvis, especially when abducting the leg (i.e., getting out of a car). Pain can also be on the side of the hip or in the back near the lower buttock. The hip bursa (fluid filled sack that protects tendons crossing the hip joint) can also be inflamed.

Hip joint arthritis is the most common problem with the hip. It is a chronic degenerative condition that can lead to total joint destruction if not treated in time.

Hip bursitis is very painful but also easier to treat than hip osteoarthritis (OA).

Important Facts

• Hip OA should be treated as early as possible
• Physical therapy should be used to correct underlying mechanical imbalances in posture and muscle tension around the hip joint.
• Obesity is a major complicating factor in the development of hip degeneration. Weight loss plans vary for patients, but unless the extra load bearing and inflammation (due to obesity) is addressed the condition may not improve.
• Regenerative medicine can help the body repair damaged cartilage or labral tears in the hip without side effects or surgery.
• All hip joint injections should be performed under fluoroscopic guidance (real time X-ray imaging).
• Corticosteroid injections may provide short term pain relief but at the cost of the health of the hip cartilage. Avoid corticosteroid use as research shows the underlying cartilage damage accelerates even though the hip pain may be lessened.