Persistent Hip Pain: What It Means and When to Seek Help

Have you ever been shopping or walking the dog and noticed a sharp stabbing or burning sensation in your hip? While most hip pain is mild and improves with rest or over-the-counter pain medication, for millions of Americans, it becomes chronic, which is especially true for athletes and adults over the age of 60, who are more likely to experience osteoarthritis.  

Chronic hip pain — symptoms lasting three or more months — can significantly affect mobility and quality of life. The good news is that prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent the issue from worsening and help you stay comfortable on your feet. 

At Palm Beach Pain Institute in Delray Beach, Florida, board-certified pain management physician Marcie Merson, MD, specializes in treating persistent hip pain. Here, she explores common causes of hip pain, explains when to seek professional help, and discusses some of the most common treatment options.

Common causes of persistent hip pain

Most cases of persistent hip pain occur due to trauma, inflammation, or an underlying medical condition. Dr. Merson regularly treats patients living with:

• Osteoarthritis, also known as wear-and-tear arthritis, causes the cartilage to wear down
• Bursitis, inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs inside the hip joint
• Tendonitis, inflammation of the tendons due to overuse
• Other overuse injuries
• Muscle strain
• Labral tears
• Hip impingement

Sometimes, lower back problems cause chronic hip pain. For example, sciatica can lead to deferred pain in the hips, buttocks, and legs. 

Persistent hip pain: Warning signs it is time to seek medical attention

You can improve hip pain with home care by using ice and adjusting lifestyle activities. However, specific symptoms may indicate a more serious issue. These include:

• Pain that lasts more than a few weeks, despite rest and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
• Pain that interferes with daily activities such as walking, exercising, and sleeping
• Swelling, redness, or warmth that’s sudden or severe
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness that extends into the legs

Even if you aren’t concerned, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’re over the age of 60 and experience any of these symptoms, it’s critical to identify the cause. Without treatment, issues like arthritis can worsen and potentially lead to permanent joint damage. 

How persistent hip pain gets diagnosed

Diagnosing persistent hip pain typically takes less than 60 minutes. 

Dr. Merson reviews your health history and asks about your symptoms, including when the pain started, what it feels like, and if it worsens at specific times, such as during exercise or upon waking. Be sure to mention if the pain radiates into other areas or occurs alongside stiffness.

Next, she completes a comprehensive physical exam, gently pressing on your hip bone to observe sensitive areas, your gait (walking pattern), and hip mobility. She also orders diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or an MRI, to get a closer look at your hip joint and the surrounding structures.

Most causes of persistent hip pain, such as fractures and nerve compression, can be identified through imaging. But Dr. Merson may also order lab tests, such as blood work, to check for arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.

How to treat persistent hip pain

Dr. Merson takes a conservative and integrative approach to treating persistent hip pain. Depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms, she may recommend:

• Physical therapy
• Ice and heat therapy
• Medication management with over-the-counter or prescription pain medications
• Osteopathic manual therapy (OMT) to improve joint mobility and lessen pain
• Joint injections
• Activity changes to reduce strain on the hip
• Using an assistive device, such as crutches or a cane

In most cases, one or more of these treatments can significantly ease pain and improve mobility. If symptoms persist despite conservative care, surgical intervention may be necessary. 

We can help you manage persistent hip pain

Persistent hip pain can make even routine tasks, such as getting in and out of the car or bed, seem like Herculean tasks, yet relief is possible. Schedule an appointment today to explore potential treatment options. Call our office at 561-499-7020 or book online.