Hip pain can affect walking, standing, sleeping, exercising, and getting into or out of a vehicle. Pain may arise from the hip joint, surrounding muscles and tendons, or another area such as the lower back. Deep groin pain more often comes from the hip joint, while pain over the outside of the hip may involve nearby tendons or bursae.
Common Causes
Our orthopedic team evaluates and treats hip osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, greater trochanteric pain, bursitis, muscle and tendon injuries, labral injuries, structural abnormalities, osteonecrosis, stress fractures, and traumatic fractures.
Osteonecrosis, also called avascular necrosis (AVN), is not itself arthritis. AVN occurs when blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted. The weakened bone may collapse, damage the overlying cartilage, and eventually produce secondary hip arthritis.
Symptoms can include groin or lateral hip pain, stiffness, limping, reduced motion, catching, clicking, or pain with walking, stairs, lying on one side, or rising from a chair.
Evaluation
The provider assesses gait, hip motion, strength, alignment, and tenderness. The lower back and knee may also be evaluated. Same-day X-rays can identify arthritis, fractures, structural changes, and later-stage AVN. Early AVN may not appear on X-rays; an MRI may be ordered through an outside imaging facility when osteonecrosis or another soft-tissue or bone condition is suspected.
Treatment
Treatment may include activity modification, physical therapy, medication, a walking aid, or a corticosteroid injection. Surgery may be considered for selected fractures, advanced arthritis, or pain that remains limiting despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment. Available surgical services include fracture treatment and total hip replacement.
When to Seek Treatment
Schedule an evaluation if pain persists, causes a limp, interrupts sleep, or limits walking. Seek urgent treatment after a fall if the leg appears shortened or deformed, the hip cannot move, or weight-bearing is impossible. Sudden severe joint pain with fever, redness, or warmth also requires prompt evaluation.
Locations
Our orthopedic team provides evaluation and treatment at clinics in New Braunfels, Seguin, Cuero, Kenedy, Hallettsville, and Yoakum. Services and provider availability vary by location.
