Hip Pain
What Are the Symptoms?
Hip pain can happen in multiple places on the hip. Typically, discomfort on the inside of your hip or near the groin comes from the joint. However, problems with the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissue in the area usually emerge as pain on the outside of the hip, upper thigh, or outer buttock.
What Causes hip pain?
If you’re experiencing hip pain, it’s vital to make an appointment with a specialist. Hip pain can result from a wide variety of injuries, including overuse, pinched nerves, injuries, herniated discs, or arthritis. Your pain can also come from a dislocation, fracture, muscle strain or pull, tendinitis, labral tear, or inflammation of the iliotibial band, IT band, or bursa. (Bursae are sacs that protect muscles and tendons as they cross the bones.) The cause of your hip pain is impossible to self-diagnose, so it’s crucial to have an expert investigate the cause of your injuries. Consult with your primary care physician for a referral to our specialists.
Can I treat hip pain at home?
You can typically lessen minor hip pain by taking a break from aggravating activities, using over-the-counter pain medications, and trying ice/heat therapy. When your pain won’t go away and interferes with daily activity, it’s time to seek diagnosis and treatment. See one of our specialists if the pain comes on suddenly and brings redness, swelling, or weakness.
How is hip pain treated?
Our doctors carefully examine you, order imaging tests, and evaluate your medical history before diagnosis. Treatment may include conservative interventions such as physical therapy, movement adaptations, rest, medications, and stretching. In some cases, more aggressive treatments, including surgery or joint reconstruction, may be required. Some of our specialists use the Mako robotic technique for reduced pain and recovery time. Learn more about the Mako technique here.
What conditions warrant a hip replacement?
If your hip has been damaged by arthritis, a fracture, overuse, or other conditions, debilitating pain could interrupt even simple daily activities such as walking, getting up out of a chair, or standing.
If you experience stiffness, pain while sleeping, and trouble getting dressed due to hip pain, a replacement may be the solution. You may also consider this surgery when conservative treatments, such as medication, movement modifications, rest, and walking supports, no longer alleviate your pain.
Who is a candidate for hip replacement surgery?
Your need for surgery is based on your pain levels. Hip replacements are successful for people of all ages. However, hip replacement surgery is most common for patients ages 50 and older.
Your doctor may recommend hip replacement if:
- Hip pain limits your everyday activities
- Hip pain is chronic and continues while resting
- Hip pain causes stiffness that interferes with your ability to move or lift the leg
Your doctor will conduct a thorough physical evaluation of your hip and general health before recommending surgery. They will also review your medical history and perform several imaging tests, including X-rays and MRIs, to ensure that hip replacement surgery is right for you.
What happens during hip replacement surgery?
In total hip replacement, the surgeon removes the damaged bone and cartilage and replaces it with prosthetic components. The femoral head—the top of the leg bone—is replaced with a metal stem placed into the hollow center of the femur. The surgeon inserts a metal or ceramic ball on the upper part of this stem to replace the damaged head of the femur.
The damaged cartilage surface of the socket is removed in favor of a metal socket. Finally, the surgeon inserts a plastic, ceramic, or metal spacer between the new ball and socket to allow for smooth, pain-free gliding.
Hip replacement surgery typically results in a dramatic reduction in hip pain and a significant improvement in your ability to do daily activities. However, excessive activity or being overweight can speed up the degradation of the replacement and cause pain. Hip replacement surgery typically results in a dramatic reduction in hip pain and a significant improvement in your ability to do daily activities. However, excessive activity or being overweight can speed up the degradation of the replacement and cause pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
We want you to have the knowledge you need to make informed decisions for your health. Learn more about our orthopedic healthcare services by reading through our Frequently Asked Questions.
Surgery depends on the severity of injury. Consult with one of our specialists to determine if it’s a route you should take. Your doctor will evaluate your entire injury through comprehensive testing before deciding if surgery is right for you.
Talk with your doctor to schedule a date that works best for you. Schedule flexibility depends on your availability, the severity of your injury and surgeon schedules.
We recommend taking it easy during your recovery time. Your doctor will provide you with a thorough post-operative care plan to ensure a speedy recovery.
Your recovery depends on where your injury is located. Consult with your doctor before starting. Our practitioners will let you know which times are best for your recovery.
Our goal is for you to return to your normal activities without pain or discomfort! Consult with your doctor about your recovery timeline and how soon you can return to work or sports.
Most insurance providers require a referral from your doctor before covering your care. We recommend scheduling an appointment your doctor before scheduling an appointment with us.
We accept several insurance programs from:
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- FirstCare (Part of Baylor Scott & White Health)
- GEHA
- HealthNet
- HealthSmart
- Humana
- Medicare
- MetLife
- PHCS
- TeamChoice
- Most Worker’s Compensation plans
Consult with our office to ensure your coverage.
Providing top-quality orthopedic care across the Lubbock area.
Providing top-quality orthopedic care across the Lubbock area.
301 Utica Ave, Lubbock, TX 79416
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