Treatment for Hip Pain

Your hips support nearly every movement you make, from walking and standing to sitting and bending. When hip pain strikes, it can severely limit your ability to move comfortably. If you are struggling with hip pain, a personalized treatment plan from an experienced pain doctor at The Pain Experts of Arizona can help you regain strength and mobility. We proudly offer hip pain treatment options to patients throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa.

Hip Pain Overview

The hip joint is the body’s largest ball-and-socket joint, designed to withstand repeated motion and daily wear and tear. Despite its durability, the joint is not indestructible. With aging, overuse, or injury, the cartilage can wear down, muscles can become strained, and the bones themselves can fracture, leading to pain and mobility issues.

Accurately diagnosing the cause of your hip pain is the first step toward finding lasting relief. At our pain clinic, we use the most advanced diagnostic tools to help you identify the source of your discomfort and design a targeted treatment plan.

Hip Pain Symptoms

Hip pain can manifest in a variety of ways, depending on its cause and severity. Symptoms may develop gradually or appear suddenly after an injury. Common signs of hip issues include:

• Discomfort in the inner or outer hip, buttocks, groin, or thigh

• Stiffness and decreased range of motion

• Limping or favoring one side while walking

• Pain that worsens with movement or prolonged sitting

• Swelling, warmth, or tenderness around the hip joint

• Radiating pain into the back or down the leg

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consulting a pain specialist at The Pain Experts of Arizona can help you find a path to recovery.

Diagnosing Hip Pain

Proper diagnosis is key to effective hip pain treatment. During your initial consultation, your pain doctor will review your medical history, assess your symptoms, and perform a physical examination to evaluate your hip’s range of motion and stability. Diagnostic tests may include:

• X-rays to detect bone fractures or joint degeneration

• MRI scans to visualize soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, and cartilage

• Ultrasound to assess joint structures in motion

• Bone scans to detect infections or tumors

• Arthrograms for detailed imaging of the joint

Using these tools, your pain clinic team will pinpoint the underlying cause of your hip pain and recommend the best course of action for you.

Causes of Hip Pain

Many different conditions and injuries can lead to hip pain. Common causes include:

• Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis

• Hip fractures

• Bursitis (inflammation of the bursae)

• Tendonitis or muscle strain

• Labral tears in the cartilage

• Avascular necrosis (loss of blood flow to the bone)

• Overuse injuries from sports or repetitive activities

• Cancer or infections affecting the hip bone

Some causes, like traumatic injuries, happen suddenly, while others, such as arthritis, develop over time. Regardless of the cause, prompt evaluation at a leading pain clinic can make a significant difference in your recovery.

Hip Pain Treatment Options

At The Pain Experts of Arizona, we create individualized treatment plans to address the root cause of your hip pain. Non-surgical options are usually tried first, with surgery considered if conservative treatments are unsuccessful.

Rest and Activity Modification

Short periods of rest can reduce inflammation and pain during acute flare-ups. However, extended inactivity can weaken muscles, so it’s important to balance rest with gradual movement under a doctor’s guidance.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help manage mild to moderate hip pain by reducing inflammation and easing discomfort.

Heat and Cold Therapy

Applying heat can relax tight muscles, while cold packs can reduce swelling and numb sharp pain. Alternating these therapies is often recommended for optimal relief.

Exercise and Strengthening

Gentle, low-impact activities such as swimming, yoga, and walking help maintain joint flexibility and strengthen the muscles surrounding the hip. Strengthening the core, lower back, hamstrings, and quads can also support hip stability and prevent further injury.

Physical Therapy

Our skilled physical therapists work with patients to design personalized stretching and strengthening routines that target the underlying cause of hip dysfunction. Physical therapy plays a critical role in recovery for both surgical and non-surgical patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa.

Hip Joint Injections

For persistent or severe pain, corticosteroid injections directly into the hip joint can offer significant relief. These injections reduce inflammation, making it easier to participate in rehabilitative exercises.

Surgical Options

If conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be recommended. Surgical options include:

• Core decompression to promote healthy bone growth

• Osteotomy to reshape and better align the hip socket

• Total or partial hip replacement for severely damaged joints

Our pain specialists will thoroughly review your options and help you choose the best approach based on your individual needs.

Hip Pain Facts

• Hip osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of disability among adults over 60.

• Women are more likely than men to undergo hip replacement surgery, particularly between the ages of 60 and 80.

• Early intervention and proper treatment can often prevent the need for surgical procedures.

• Strengthening exercises and weight management are highly effective in preventing chronic hip conditions.

If you are struggling with ongoing hip pain, it’s important to consult a pain specialist early to prevent further damage and regain your quality of life.

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Contact

Hip pain can severely impact your mobility and daily comfort, but with the right treatment, lasting relief is within reach. Whether you’re managing a recent hip injury or a chronic condition, a pain doctor at The Pain Experts of Arizona can help you regain strength and improve your quality of life. Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa, our experienced team is committed to delivering the highest level of care for your hip pain.

Call us today at 480-950-9393 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward feeling better.

The Pain Experts of Arizona – Your Partners in Pain Relief and Recovery.

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