Hip Pain

Hip pain is multifactorial.  It can be related to degenerative changes the Hip joint proper or can be secondary to smaller joints or bursas that surround the hip joint.   Pain may also be related to muscle or ligament strains or ruptures that function to form and move the hip joint.

Some patients may also experience referred pain to the hip that first starts as a result of lower back arthritis, pinched nerve in the back, pelvic organs or nerves.  Some pain maybe referred to the hip as a result of inflammation of the sacroiliac joint.  Some people ca also experiences hip pain that at times radiates to other areas such as the buttocks, groin or thigh region.

Thus, proper workup with history and physical exam is necessary to identify the exact etiology to formulate the proper treatment plan.  Workup may require imaging and/or electrodiagnostic studies (electromyography and nerve conduction studies).

Risk factors for hip pain: Obesity, family history of arthritis, overuse secondary to work or sports, age and injury.

Potential Symptoms that you may experience with this condition:

  • Hip joint pain
  • Limited range of motion at the hip and/or pelvis
  • Limited range of motion in the lower back
  • Burning, numbness and tingling sensation occurring at the hip, groin or anterior thigh
  • Muscle stiffness and spasms
  • Clinking sound of hip joint
  • Swelling of hip joint or surrounding tissue

Treatment options for this condition:

  1. Physical therapy and/or Occupational therapy
  2. Medications:
    1. Anti-inflammatory therapy
    2. Nerve pain medications: Neurontin, Lyrica, Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline
    3. Muscle relaxants
    4. Hot and Cold compressors
  3. Cognitive behavioral therapy
  4. Interventions
    1. Small or large joint injection
    2. Bursa injection
    3. Lumbar Epidural steroid injections
    4. Lumbar Medial branch or facet joint blocks
    5. Radiofrequency ablation of lumbar facet joints
    6. Sacroiliac Joint block and/or radiofrequency ablation
    7. Acupuncture
    8. TENS unit therapy
  5. Surgery: This is considered when less invasive therapy is not successful or when is considered to be the best option for the cause of your hip pain.