Lifespan Orthopedics Institute
The Most Comprehensive Orthopedic Care in the Region

Hip Pain

What Is Hip Pain and Why Does My Hip Hurt?

Hip pain is defined as any kind of physical discomfort or tenderness that is experienced in the hip. One of the largest weight-bearing joints in the body, the hip can undergo lots of wear and tear. This wear and tear can lead to pain and issues that can keep you from enjoying your life. Hip pain may also be accompanied by discomfort in the groin or thigh.

If hip pain is disrupting your day-to-day activities, speak to a Lifespan hip specialist today about your treatment options.

What Are the Symptoms Associated with Hip Pain?

Symptoms that are often associated with hip pain include:

  • Swelling – Swelling occurs when the hip enlarges, typically the result of inflammation or fluid buildup.
  • Stiffness – People commonly experience stiffness in the hip when bending down to pick something up or putting on shoes and socks.
  • Limping – Experiencing a limp when walking is a more serious symptom of hip pain.

If you’re experiencing any of these hip pain symptoms, take our online assessment to learn more.

Man in red shirt using walker

Hip Pain Services

Our specialists provide a wide range of orthopedic services, from expert diagnosis to the latest in medical and surgical treatment.

What Conditions May Be Causing My Hip Pain?

When it comes to chronic pain in the hip, the most common cause is arthritis, or a wearing down of cartilage in the hip joint. In addition to pain, arthritis sufferers often experience stiffness and a reduced range of motion.

Other common hip pain causes include:

  • Hip fracture – A break occurring where the femur meets the pelvic bone. Usually treated with surgery.
  • Bursitis – Occurs when the bursa, fluid-filled sacs in the joints, become irritated.
  • Tendonitis – Occurs when tendons, the cords connecting muscle to bone, become inflamed or irritated.

At the Lifespan Orthopedics Institute, our specialists are committed to providing state-of-the-art care in treating injuries to the hip.

What is Hip Arthritis?

Hip arthritis occurs when cartilage in the hip joint becomes damaged and worn, resulting in the joint’s bone surfaces grinding together. In most cases, the condition worsens over time.

There are many different forms of arthritis. Pain and stiffness in the hip are most likely caused by either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

The causes of hip arthritis can include:

  • Family history of arthritis
  • Increasing age
  • A past hip injury
  • Developmental dysplasia, or improper formation of the hip at birth
  • Obesity

There are a number of treatment options that can help reduce pain and increase your mobility. Talk to a Lifespan hip specialist today.

Bikini Incision Anterior Approach for Total Hip Replacement

Eric M. Cohen, MD describes this unique alternative that provides better healing and a more cosmetically pleasing result. 

Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which the orthopedic surgeon removes bone and cartilage in a damaged hip joint and replaces it with an artificial joint, which is a prosthetic ball and socket that mimics the structure and motion of the natural hip joint. Hip replacement followed by rehabilitative therapy typically is helpful for people with significant damage to the hip joint, alleviating pain and restoring the joint's range of motion. With the Total Joint Center at the forefront of advanced surgical equipment and techniques, you will receive optimal patient care, from diagnosis to recovery.

Learn more about hip replacement surgery