Hip pain can make simple movements like walking, bending, or getting out of bed feel unexpectedly difficult. The hip, being one of the body’s largest weight-bearing joints, affects balance, posture, and overall mobility, so even small aches can have a big impact. Many people don’t realize how common hip pain is or what might be causing it, from muscle strain and arthritis to injuries that need more specialized care.
At the Altus emergency room in Lake Jackson, TX, our team provides advanced diagnostic imaging, evidence-based treatments, and personalized care to help patients recover safely and regain comfortable movement, no matter the cause of the discomfort.
Common Causes of Hip Pain
The hip pain that makes everyday movements difficult can come from a variety of underlying issues. Understanding these causes helps explain why the discomfort occurs and how it affects mobility, posture, and daily activities.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis is the most frequent cause of chronic hip pain, especially in adults over 50. Hip osteoarthritis affects roughly 0.4% to 27% of older adults globally, and in the U.S., around 32.5 million adults live with osteoarthritis. Symptoms often include morning stiffness, reduced range of motion, and discomfort during walking or prolonged standing.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disorder that can lead to joint inflammation and pain. According to the World Health Organization, about 18 million people worldwide were living with rheumatoid arthritis in 2019, with women accounting for approximately 70% of the cases.
Hip Bursitis
Hip bursitis, particularly trochanteric bursitis, involves inflammation of the bursa located on the outer side of the hip. A study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information suggests that up to 15% of adults over 60 may experience trochanteric bursitis at some point in their lives.
Tendinitis and Muscle Strain
Overuse or sudden increases in activity can lead to tendinitis and muscle strains around the hip joint. Research indicates that tendinopathy is common among athletes, with a prevalence of 36.5% in those with extremely high training exposure.
Hip Fractures
Hip fractures are serious injuries most commonly seen in adults over 65. Approximately 1 in 5 older adults may experience a hip fracture in their lifetime, often caused by falls or osteoporosis. Symptoms include sudden sharp pain, inability to bear weight, and sometimes a visibly shortened or rotated leg. Immediate medical attention is essential.
Referred Pain from the Spine
Not all hip pain originates in the hip itself. Lower back or spine issues can cause pain that radiates into the hip. Studies suggest that up to 30% of patients with chronic hip pain may actually have pain originating from spinal problems. Correct diagnosis is vital to ensure the right treatment approach.
Treatments for Hip Pain
The treatment of hip pain depends on the underlying cause, severity, and duration. The main goals are to relieve discomfort, restore joint mobility, and prevent further damage. Most mild to moderate cases improve with conservative approaches before any advanced or surgical options are considered.
RICE Method: First-Line Relief
For recent or mild hip pain, the RICE method, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, offers effective initial relief and supports early recovery:
- Rest: Avoid high-impact or repetitive activities such as running, squatting, or standing for long periods. However, complete inactivity can worsen stiffness, so include gentle movements like short walks or light stretching to maintain flexibility and circulation.
- Ice: Apply an ice pack for 10–15 minutes, two to three times daily during the first few days to minimize inflammation and swelling.
- Compression: While direct compression around the hip is difficult, supportive garments such as compression shorts can help stabilize the area and provide mild comfort.
- Elevation and Heat: When resting, place a pillow between or under your knees to align the hips and relieve pressure. After the initial inflammation subsides (usually after 48-72 hours), apply gentle heat to relax muscles, increase blood flow, and ease stiffness.
If discomfort persists beyond a week, it’s important to seek medical assessment to rule out structural or deeper soft tissue injuries.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
A structured physical therapy program is one of the most effective long-term treatments for hip pain. Therapists design individualized exercise plans that enhance flexibility, rebuild strength, and correct faulty movement patterns contributing to discomfort.
Common therapeutic exercises include:
- Bridges and clamshells strengthen the gluteal and stabilizing muscles.
- Hip flexor and hamstring stretches to reduce tightness and improve range of motion.
- Core and balance training to support pelvic stability and joint alignment.
Gradual progression and proper form are essential to prevent reinjury while promoting recovery.
Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) or acetaminophen can help manage inflammation and pain.
For more persistent cases, healthcare providers may prescribe short courses of corticosteroids, topical anti-inflammatory gels, or targeted medications for chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
Injections
If conservative therapies do not provide adequate relief, image-guided injections can deliver targeted treatment to affected areas:
- Corticosteroid injections are used to reduce inflammation in arthritis, bursitis, or tendon irritation.
- Hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation) injections to improve joint lubrication and smooth movement.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and regenerative techniques may promote healing, though effectiveness can vary depending on the condition.
These injections are typically performed using ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance for precision and safety.
Surgical Treatment
When conservative treatments are unsuccessful or severe joint damage exists, surgery may be recommended. Options include:
- Hip arthroscopy to repair labral tears or correct impingement.
- Osteotomy to realign bones and improve joint mechanics.
- Total hip replacement to replace damaged joint surfaces with artificial components in cases of advanced arthritis or fractures.
Modern surgical techniques and rehabilitation programs enable faster recovery, reduced pain, and long-lasting improvements in mobility.
Act Early, Live Better with Altus Emergency Center
Worried about persistent hip pain or sudden discomfort that affects your ability to walk, move, or sleep? Don’t wait; early action is key to preventing long-term joint damage and avoiding chronic pain. Hip pain can stem from injuries, inflammation, arthritis, or falls, and when left untreated, it can lead to worsening mobility issues or permanent joint complications. Addressing the problem early helps preserve strength, flexibility, and overall quality of life. At Altus Lumberton Hospital and Altus Emergency Center, patients receive compassionate 24/7 emergency care for hip-related concerns. Our experienced physicians provide prompt evaluations using advanced imaging, identify the root cause of your pain, and recommend safe treatment options tailored to your condition. With timely intervention and the right care plan, you can relieve pain, restore function, and protect your long-term joint health, so you can stay active, confident, and in control.