Orthopaedic Health Guide

Hip pain treatment: causes, symptoms & surgical options

Hip pain can make everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, exercising, or sleeping uncomfortable. Whether your discomfort develops gradually or follows an injury, understanding the underlying cause is essential for choosing the right hip pain treatment.

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Hasan Syed, MDBoard-certified orthopedic surgeon
Woman holding her sore lower back and hip
Dr. Hasan Syed, MD

Surgical and nonsurgical care for hip pain, sports injuries and fractures in Chino, Loma Linda and surrounding California communities.

Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Hip arthroscopy Fracture care
Seek immediate care

Severe pain after a fall, inability to bear weight on the leg, or a visibly deformed hip or leg.

Get seen promptly

Sudden swelling around the hip, or hip pain accompanied by fever.

Book an evaluation

Hip pain that persists, keeps getting worse, limits normal activities, or regularly interrupts sleep.

In short

Hip pain can result from arthritis, injuries, inflammation, or structural problems affecting the hip joint and surrounding tissues — including hip osteoarthritis, labral tears, bursitis and tendon problems, fractures, hip impingement and hip dysplasia.

At Hasan Syed MD, Dr. Hasan Syed, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, provides surgical and nonsurgical care focused on reducing discomfort, improving mobility, and supporting long-term joint function. See all orthopedic services.

Causes

What causes hip pain?

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint: the rounded head of the thighbone sits in a socket in the pelvis, lined with cartilage and rimmed by the labrum, and surrounded by tendons, muscles and bursae. The location and pattern of discomfort often provide important diagnostic clues about which of these structures is involved.

1 2 3 4 5
Simplified front view of the right hip
  1. 1
    Pelvis & hip socket (acetabulum)Hip dysplasia · Femoroacetabular impingement
  2. 2
    Labrum (rim of the socket)Labral tears · Hip arthroscopy
  3. 3
    Femoral head & cartilageHip osteoarthritis
  4. 4
    Greater trochanter, tendons & bursaeGluteus medius · Gluteus minimus · Snapping hip
  5. 5
    Femoral neckHip fractures
Worn cartilage Bone spurs
Cause 1

Hip osteoarthritis

Hip osteoarthritis develops when protective cartilage gradually deteriorates, causing joint stiffness, inflammation, and pain. Symptoms frequently worsen after prolonged activity or periods of inactivity.

Common signs include:

  • Deep groin or thigh pain
  • Stiffness after sitting or sleeping
  • Difficulty putting on shoes or climbing stairs
  • Reduced flexibility and range of motion
Learn about hip osteoarthritis →
Labral tear Labrum
Cause 2

Hip labral tears

The labrum is cartilage surrounding the hip socket that helps stabilize the joint. Sports injuries, repetitive movements, or structural abnormalities can damage this tissue, causing groin pain, clicking, or catching sensations.

Hip arthroscopy & labral repair →
Bursa Tendon
Cause 3

Hip bursitis & tendon problems

Inflammation or irritation involving the bursae and tendons around the hip may cause tenderness along the outside of the joint, particularly during walking or lying on the affected side.

Gluteus medius tendon problems →
Femoral neck fracture
Cause 4

Hip fractures

Falls, accidents, and weakened bones can cause hip fractures requiring urgent medical assessment. Treatment depends on the fracture's location, stability, and the patient's overall health.

Hip fracture repair options →
Bone contact Extra bone
Cause 5

Hip impingement & dysplasia

Femoroacetabular impingement occurs when unusually shaped hip bones rub together during movement. Hip dysplasia develops when the socket provides insufficient coverage of the femoral head. Both may contribute to cartilage damage and chronic discomfort.

Femoroacetabular impingement → Hip dysplasia →

More hip and thigh conditions we treat

Gluteus minimus Snapping hip Adductor tendon Hamstring injury Hip arthroscopy

Symptoms

Common symptoms of hip problems

Hip conditions can produce different symptoms depending on the affected structures. Because symptoms frequently overlap, an orthopedic examination is important before selecting treatment.

123
  1. 1
    Deep in the groinOften suggests an issue inside the hip joint, such as osteoarthritis, a labral tear or impingement
  2. 2
    Outer hipMay involve tendons or bursae, such as the gluteus medius or gluteus minimus
  3. 3
    From the lower back, down the legCan originate from spinal or nerve conditions rather than the hip itself
SymptomsPossible causes
Persistent groin or thigh painHip osteoarthritis, labral tear, or impingement
Outer hip pain, worse lying on that sideBursitis or gluteal tendon problems
Stiffness after sitting or sleepingHip osteoarthritis
Clicking, catching, or lockingLabral tear or snapping hip
Difficulty walking, standing, or climbing stairsArthritis, dysplasia, or fracture
Buttock pain or pain travelling from the lower backSpinal or nerve conditions, or a hamstring injury
Pain that interrupts sleepBursitis, tendon problems, or advanced arthritis

A medical examination helps distinguish between these conditions and determine whether additional testing is necessary.

Pain location

Where is hip pain usually felt?

Answer

Pain deep within the groin often suggests an issue inside the hip joint. Outer hip discomfort may involve tendons or bursae, while pain extending from the lower back can originate from spinal or nerve conditions.

Many people describe "hip pain" when the discomfort is actually in the buttock, outer thigh or lower back. Where you feel it, what makes it worse, and whether it wakes you at night all help narrow down the cause.

Because symptoms frequently overlap, an orthopedic examination is important before selecting treatment.

Person standing with both hands on their hips
Hip pain may be felt in the groin, the outer hip, the buttock or down the thigh.

Diagnosis

How is hip pain diagnosed?

An accurate diagnosis begins with reviewing your symptoms, medical history, previous injuries, and activity level. During an orthopedic evaluation, your physician may assess walking patterns, hip flexibility, muscle strength, tenderness, and joint stability. Additional diagnostic tests may include:

X-ray of a human pelvis and both hip joints
X-rays show fractures, arthritis and the shape of the hip bones.
Doctor examining a patient's leg
A hands-on exam checks movement, strength, tenderness and stability.
X-raysIdentify fractures, arthritis, and structural abnormalities.
MRI scansEvaluate cartilage, labral injuries, and surrounding soft tissues.
CT scansProvide detailed bone images when complex injuries require further assessment.
Diagnostic injectionsOccasionally help identify the source of pain.

Not every patient requires advanced imaging. Testing should be selected according to examination findings and the suspected condition.

Nonsurgical treatment

Nonsurgical hip pain treatment options

Many hip conditions improve without surgery. Conservative treatment is generally considered first when there is no injury or condition requiring urgent intervention.

Therapist providing hands-on treatment to a patient kneeling on a mat
Physical therapy strengthens supporting muscles and improves movement.
Woman in athletic wear resting outdoors near the water during exercise
Low-impact activity helps maintain mobility while reducing joint stress.

  1. Physical therapy & targeted exercise

    Physical therapy can strengthen supporting muscles, improve joint flexibility, and correct movement patterns that contribute to discomfort.

    A rehabilitation program may include gentle stretching, strengthening exercises, balance training, and gradual activity progression.

  2. Activity & lifestyle modifications

    Reducing repetitive impact, avoiding aggravating movements, and choosing low-impact activities may decrease joint stress.

    Swimming, stationary cycling, and carefully selected strengthening exercises can help maintain mobility. Weight management may also reduce symptoms in patients with hip osteoarthritis.

  3. Medications & injections

    Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed anti-inflammatory medications may provide temporary symptom relief when medically appropriate.

    Corticosteroid injections can offer short-term improvement for selected conditions, including symptomatic hip osteoarthritis.

Keep in mind: medications and injections have potential risks and limitations. Treatment decisions should account for your individual medical history and current clinical guidelines.

Surgical treatment options for hip pain

Hip surgery may be recommended when structural damage, fractures, or persistent symptoms cannot be adequately managed through nonsurgical treatment. The appropriate procedure depends on the diagnosis, joint condition, functional limitations, and personal treatment goals.

Option 1

Hip arthroscopy

Uses a small camera and specialized instruments inserted through small incisions to examine and treat certain joint problems — including labral repair, removal of damaged tissue, or correction of selected impingement abnormalities. It is not appropriate for every patient, particularly when advanced arthritis significantly affects the joint.

Learn about hip arthroscopy →
Option 2

Hip fracture repair

Hip fractures may require internal fixation using screws, plates, or specialized implants to stabilize damaged bones. For certain femoral neck fractures, hemiarthroplasty replaces the damaged femoral head with an artificial component. The procedure depends on fracture characteristics, bone quality, mobility, and overall health.

Option 3

Hip replacement surgery

Total hip replacement may be considered for advanced joint damage when pain and disability remain significant despite appropriate conservative care. Damaged joint surfaces are replaced with artificial components designed to improve movement and reduce pain.

Hip osteoarthritis treatment →

Patients considering surgery should discuss their surgical indications, available approaches, expected benefits, and risks with a suitably qualified surgeon. Dr. Hasan Syed's hip procedures include hip arthroscopy with labral repair, hip fracture fixation, hemiarthroplasty, and proximal hamstring repair.

Recovery

What to expect during recovery

Recovery after hip surgery varies depending on the procedure, general health, and rehabilitation requirements.

Hip arthroscopy may require temporary activity restrictions, walking aids, and several weeks or months of rehabilitation. Fracture surgery or joint replacement may involve a longer recovery period, particularly when patients need assistance rebuilding strength and mobility. Rehabilitation commonly focuses on:

  1. 1Managing postoperative pain and swelling
  2. 2Restoring safe walking and movement
  3. 3Improving muscle strength and balance
  4. 4Gradually returning to daily activities
Woman wearing a fitness tracker resting outdoors after a walk
Rehabilitation gradually rebuilds strength, balance and confidence.

Surgical risks: potential complications include infection, blood clots, nerve injury, and persistent symptoms. Your surgeon should explain procedure-specific risks and realistic recovery expectations before treatment.

Next step

When should you see a hip pain specialist?

Schedule an orthopedic evaluation if hip discomfort:

  • Persists despite rest and home care
  • Becomes progressively worse
  • Limits walking, exercise, or normal activities
  • Regularly interrupts sleep

Early evaluation can help identify conditions requiring prompt treatment while allowing suitable patients to explore conservative options.

Seek immediate medical attention

for severe pain after a fall, inability to bear weight, visible deformity, sudden swelling, or hip pain accompanied by fever.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about hip pain

Can hip pain go away without surgery?

Yes. Many causes of hip pain improve with physical therapy, activity modifications, and appropriate medications. Treatment depends on the underlying diagnosis.

How do I know if my hip pain requires surgery?

Surgery may be considered for certain fractures, significant structural injuries, or disabling symptoms that continue despite suitable nonsurgical treatment. An orthopedic evaluation determines whether surgery is appropriate.

What is the best treatment for hip arthritis?

Treatment often begins with exercise, physical therapy, activity modification, and selected medications. Advanced hip arthritis may require evaluation for joint replacement when conservative treatments are insufficient.

How long does recovery from hip surgery take?

Recovery ranges from weeks to several months or longer depending on the procedure, rehabilitation needs, and individual health factors. Hip arthroscopy recovery is usually shorter than recovery after fracture surgery or joint replacement.

Chino & Loma Linda, CA

Hip pain treatment in Chino and Loma Linda, CA

Persistent hip pain should not prevent you from enjoying daily activities. Identifying the cause is the first step toward an appropriate treatment plan.

Dr. Hasan Syed, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with training in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. His practice evaluates musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, including hip labral problems and fractures. Treatment recommendations are individualized according to each patient's examination findings, imaging results, functional limitations, and goals.

  • Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
  • Training in sports medicine
  • Hip arthroscopy & fracture care
  • Offices in Chino & Loma Linda
Call 909-315-6515 Text to request an appointment

Schedule an orthopedic consultation

909-315-6515

Call or text to discuss your symptoms, understand your hip pain treatment options, and schedule an evaluation.

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Chino5365 Walnut Avenue, Suite M
Loma Linda25915 Barton Road, Suite 203

Chino office

5365 Walnut Avenue, Suite MChino, CA 91710Get directions →

Loma Linda office

25915 Barton Road, Suite 203Loma Linda, CA 92354Get directions →

Contact

909-315-6515Call or text to request an appointmenthasan.syed.md@outlook.com