From Aches to Arthritis: What Causes Hip Pain?

Understanding the Hip Pain Epidemic

If you've ever experienced that nagging ache in your hip that just won't quit, you're in good company. Millions of Americans wake up each day wondering what causes hip pain in their lives and how they can find relief.

The hip is an engineering marvel – a ball-and-socket joint designed for both stability and incredible range of motion. But this complexity also means there are numerous ways things can go wrong. From the wear-and-tear of osteoarthritis that gradually erodes cartilage, to the sharp pain of bursitis when those tiny fluid-filled cushions become inflamed, hip discomfort comes in many forms.

Some people experience labral tears – damage to the cartilage ring that helps keep the ball securely in the socket. Others develop tendinitis, where the tough cords connecting muscle to bone become irritated and painful. Hip impingement might be your challenge if bone shapes don't quite match up perfectly, creating friction with movement.

What surprises many of my patients is that hip pain isn't always straightforward. That ache in your hip might actually be sciatica originating from your lower back, or it could be radiating from your sacroiliac joint. The pain might show up in your groin, outer thigh, buttock, or even travel down your leg – making diagnosis challenging sometimes.

The statistics are eye-opening: more than one-third of adults report that hip pain disrupts their sleep. And as we age, the numbers climb even higher. For those in their 50s and beyond, osteoarthritis becomes increasingly common, often leading to that characteristic morning stiffness that improves with movement.

Risk factors include age, previous injury, excess weight, and even genetics. Women, particularly those who've experienced pregnancy-related changes to their pelvis, may face unique challenges with hip stability and pain.

Night pain deserves special mention because it's particularly disruptive. When hip pain wakes you at 2 AM, it's not just uncomfortable – it affects your entire well-being the next day. This nighttime discomfort often signals inflammatory conditions like bursitis or certain types of arthritis that flare when you're still.

As a physical therapist who's spent nearly two decades working with hip pain, I've seen how proper diagnosis and targeted treatment can transform lives. Understanding what causes hip pain in your specific case is the crucial first step toward finding relief and returning to the activities you love.

What Causes Hip Pain? 15 Common Culprits

Your hip is an engineering marvel—a ball-and-socket joint supported by an intricate network of ligaments and over 20 muscles stretching from your lower back to your inner thigh. This complexity explains why pinpointing what causes hip pain can sometimes feel like solving a puzzle.

"The hip seems like a simple joint, but in reality, it bears forces of up to 6-8 times your body weight during everyday activities like walking," explains Dr. Mary Kimbrough, a physical therapist specializing in hip disorders. "This makes it vulnerable to a wide variety of problems."

Let's explore the most common culprits behind that nagging hip discomfort you've been experiencing.

Acute Injuries: Understanding What Causes Hip Pain Suddenly

That sharp, unexpected pain that stops you in your tracks often stems from trauma or overdoing it. Hip fractures are particularly common in older adults with osteoporosis—and timing matters. Surgery within 1-2 days of injury significantly reduces complication risks.

Dislocations happen when the femoral head pops out of the acetabulum during high-impact activities or accidents. This isn't something to wait out—it's a genuine medical emergency requiring immediate attention.

Labral tears affect the cartilage ring stabilizing your hip joint. As one Brooklyn dancer shared with us, "I felt a catching sensation and then a sharp pain deep in my groin during a performance. It turned out to be a labral tear that needed surgical repair." These tears typically occur during pivoting sports or activities requiring extreme ranges of motion.

Sprains and strains result from overstretching or tearing ligaments and muscles around the hip. Hip flexor strains are especially common among runners and soccer players who make sudden directional changes.

Sports enthusiasts should be aware of contusions—bruising of hip muscles or bone that commonly occurs in high-contact activities like football, hockey, and martial arts.

Chronic Conditions: Long-Term Factors That Cause Hip Pain

Not all hip pain arrives with a bang. Sometimes it creeps in gradually, whispering before it shouts.

Osteoarthritis tops the list of chronic hip pain culprits. This wear-and-tear condition breaks down cartilage until bones begin rubbing against each other. Nearly 1 in 4 people will develop symptomatic hip osteoarthritis in their lifetime—that's millions of Americans living with this progressive condition.

Inflammatory arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis attack joint tissues through immune system dysfunction, causing pain, swelling, and eventual joint damage.

Bursitis involves inflammation of those small, fluid-filled cushions (bursae) that reduce friction between tissues. Trochanteric bursitis affects the outer hip and becomes increasingly common after age 60.

Tendinopathy represents chronic tendon injury characterized by degeneration rather than inflammation. Gluteal tendinopathy particularly affects middle-aged women, causing persistent outer hip pain that worsens with activity and side-sleeping. Scientific research on gluteal tendinopathy has shown promising results with targeted exercise therapy.

Avascular necrosis occurs when bone tissue dies due to insufficient blood supply. Risk factors include long-term steroid use, excessive alcohol consumption, and previous hip fractures.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) involves abnormal bone shapes causing friction during hip movement. Interestingly, up to two-thirds of people with radiographic evidence of FAI experience no symptoms whatsoever. More info about Hip Impingement?

Soft-Tissue & Overuse Disorders

At Evolve Physical Therapy, we frequently see patients whose hip pain stems from soft tissue problems rather than joint issues.

IT Band Syndrome involves tightness and inflammation of the iliotibial band running from hip to knee along the outer thigh. Runners, cyclists, and hikers are particularly vulnerable to this frustrating condition.

Gluteal tendinopathy creates deep pain where the powerful gluteal tendons attach to the greater trochanter. Dr. Shane Nho notes, "People who do very specific activities over and over, like kicking a soccer ball, can be at risk for this severe pain."

Hip flexor strains affect the iliopsoas and rectus femoris muscles that flex your hip. These injuries plague dancers, martial artists, and soccer players who repeatedly lift their legs against resistance.

Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle in your buttock compresses the sciatic nerve, causing pain that radiates down your leg. Many patients mistake this for sciatica, though the underlying cause differs.

Trochanteric bursitis inflames the bursa on your outer hip. "Though walking for a long time or climbing stairs can make it worse, bursitis usually is not associated with activity-related pain," explains Dr. Nho. Instead, it often creates sharp pain when lying on the affected side.

Structural or Anatomical Problems

Some of us are simply built in ways that predispose us to hip pain.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) comes in three varieties: cam impingement (abnormal femoral head shape), pincer impingement (acetabular overcoverage), or mixed impingement (both problems simultaneously). These structural issues can lead to labral tears and early arthritis.

Hip dysplasia represents the opposite problem—insufficient coverage of the femoral head by the acetabulum. This instability stresses the labrum and supporting structures, eventually leading to arthritis if untreated.

Leg-length discrepancy might seem minor, but when one leg is shorter than the other, it creates abnormal stress throughout the kinetic chain, including the hip joint and surrounding muscles.

Core muscle injury—previously called "sports hernia" or "athletic pubalgia"—involves injury to muscles and tendons in the lower abdomen and groin. Athletes in rotational sports like hockey, soccer, and baseball frequently develop this condition.

Pelvic tilt abnormalities (anterior or posterior) alter hip mechanics and can trigger pain. Poor posture, sitting habits, and muscle imbalances often contribute to these alignment issues.

Referred & Outside-the-Hip Sources

Sometimes what causes hip pain isn't the hip at all. Your body can be tricky that way.

Lumbar spine issues like herniated discs or spinal stenosis frequently refer pain to the hip region. Many patients arrive convinced they have hip arthritis when the true culprit lurks in their lower back.

Sciatica compresses the sciatic nerve in the spine, creating pain that radiates down the leg. This nerve pain can masquerade as hip joint pain, leading to misdiagnosis if not carefully evaluated.

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction affects the connection between your sacrum and ilium in the pelvis. SI joint pain commonly mimics hip pain, creating confusion for patients and healthcare providers alike. Scientific research on pain referral patterns has helped clarify these complex relationships.

Meralgia paresthetica compresses the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, causing burning pain, numbness, and tingling in the outer thigh. Tight clothing, pregnancy, and weight gain can all trigger this condition.

Gynecological or pelvic issues can refer pain to the hip area. As Dr. Nho points out, "The pain you feel in your hip could actually be coming from elsewhere in your pelvis." Conditions like endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or prostatitis deserve consideration in cases of persistent hip pain.

Hernias, particularly inguinal hernias, can cause groin pain that patients may attribute to hip problems. Careful assessment helps distinguish between these distinct conditions.

Less Common & Serious Causes

While rare, these conditions require prompt recognition:

Septic arthritis represents a joint infection requiring immediate medical attention. Signs include severe pain, fever, and inability to bear weight. This constitutes a true medical emergency.

Osteomyelitis infects bone tissue and can affect the hip. Symptoms typically include fever, severe pain, and sometimes visible redness or swelling.

Bone cancer—whether primary or metastatic—rarely affects the hip, but demands consideration when symptoms include night pain, unexplained weight loss, and pain unrelieved by rest or position changes.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease temporarily disrupts blood supply to the femoral head in children, causing pain and limping. Early diagnosis improves outcomes for these young patients.

Transient osteoporosis creates temporary bone loss in the hip, most commonly affecting pregnant women in their third trimester and middle-aged men. Scientific research on osteonecrosis has improved our understanding of this and related conditions.

Understanding what causes hip pain is the crucial first step toward finding relief. At Evolve Physical Therapy, we specialize in thorough assessment to identify the true source of your discomfort, whether it's directly in the hip or coming from somewhere else entirely.

Diagnosing Hip Pain: Tests & Red Flags

Getting to the bottom of what causes hip pain is like solving a mystery. The hip is complex, with pain that could stem from the joint itself or be referred from somewhere else entirely. At Evolve Physical Therapy in Brooklyn, we take a detective's approach to your hip pain, gathering clues through conversation, hands-on assessment, and when needed, advanced imaging.

History & Physical Examination Essentials

Your story matters most. When you come in with hip pain, we'll start by simply listening. Where exactly do you feel it? Pain in the groin often signals problems within the joint itself, while outer hip discomfort might point to bursitis or IT band issues. Buttock pain? That could be your SI joint or piriformis muscle acting up. And when pain shoots down your leg, we're immediately thinking about nerve involvement.

The character of your pain tells us a lot too. Is it sharp and stabbing or more of a dull ache? Does it come and go, or is it your constant companion? That burning sensation some people describe often means a nerve is irritated somewhere along the path.

"I remember one patient who insisted her hip pain was just from 'getting old,'" shares Lou from Evolve PT. "But when she mentioned it was worst first thing in the morning and improved with movement, that classic pattern immediately suggested inflammatory arthritis—which we confirmed and successfully treated."

We'll also explore when your pain started. Was there a memorable "ouch" moment during tennis, or did it creep up gradually? What makes it better or worse? Many people find that certain movements—climbing stairs, crossing their legs, or even just sitting too long—can trigger their pain.

The physical exam is where theory meets reality. We'll observe your walking pattern, looking for subtle shifts or compensations. We'll measure how well your hip moves in all directions and test the strength of the surrounding muscles. Special orthopedic tests help us check for specific conditions like impingement or labral tears. And yes, we'll gently feel around the area, identifying tender spots and tight muscles that might be contributing to your discomfort.

Imaging and Advanced Tests

Sometimes we need to see beneath the surface. X-rays serve as our first window into the bone structure, showing arthritis, fractures, or abnormal hip shapes. They're quick, accessible, and relatively inexpensive—a good starting point when what causes hip pain isn't immediately clear.

For a more detailed look at soft tissues—the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage—MRI is our go-to option. For suspected labral tears, we might recommend an MRI arthrogram, where contrast dye is injected into the joint before imaging to highlight subtle tears more clearly.

CT scans offer incredibly detailed bone images, proving especially helpful for complex fractures or pre-surgical planning. Ultrasound gives us real-time visualization of tissues in motion and can guide therapeutic injections with precision.

When bone health is in question, a bone scan might be appropriate. This test detects areas of increased bone activity, helping identify stress fractures or avascular necrosis (where bone tissue dies due to lack of blood supply).

Blood tests help us see the bigger picture, potentially revealing inflammatory markers, signs of infection, or other systemic issues. And sometimes, analyzing fluid from the hip joint itself provides the definitive answer, especially when infection is suspected.

Diagnostic injections serve a dual purpose—both treatment and diagnosis. If an anesthetic injection into a specific structure eliminates your pain temporarily, we've likely found the culprit.

Fascinating research by Lesher and colleagues has mapped out where hip joint pain tends to refer to in the body, giving us better insight into distinguishing true hip joint pain from imposters. This knowledge proves invaluable when what causes hip pain isn't straightforward.

Red Flags You Shouldn't Ignore

While most hip pain can be addressed with proper care, certain symptoms should send you straight to urgent care or the emergency room:

Inability to bear weight after a fall or injury tops the list—this could indicate a fracture, especially in older adults where bones may be more fragile. Similarly, if your leg appears visibly deformed or is turning outward unusually, seek immediate care.

Fever accompanying hip pain is a red flag that shouldn't be ignored, as it could signal infection in or around the joint. Joint infections require prompt medical intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Numbness or tingling that extends below the knee suggests nerve involvement that needs immediate attention. And severe, sudden pain—especially in older adults—could indicate a fracture even without obvious trauma.

Unexplained weight loss alongside hip pain warrants thorough investigation, as it could indicate something more serious. Similarly, pain that doesn't improve with rest or consistently wakes you at night may suggest conditions requiring prompt medical attention.

One of our patients shared a powerful cautionary tale: "I dismissed my hip pain as just another gym injury. But when fever developed and walking became impossible, I finally went to the ER. Turns out I had a joint infection that needed immediate treatment. Looking back, the warning signs were there—I just didn't know what they meant."

Understanding what causes hip pain is the crucial first step toward effective treatment. At Evolve Physical Therapy, we're committed to thorough, thoughtful diagnosis—because the right treatment depends on identifying the right problem.

Treatment, Prevention & Daily Habits

The good news is that most hip pain can be effectively managed with the right approach. Treatment options range from simple home remedies to advanced surgical procedures.

Conservative Care & Home Remedies

When you're dealing with mild to moderate hip pain, you don't always need to rush to medical intervention. Many people find relief through simple at-home approaches.

For acute injuries, the classic RICE protocol remains valuable - Rest the affected area, apply Ice for 15-20 minutes several times daily, use Compression with elastic bandages, and Lift your hip when possible. This approach helps reduce swelling and pain in those first critical days.

More recently, medical professionals have begun recommending the PEACE & LOVE approach, which builds on RICE but adds important nuances. This approach suggests Protection without excessive rest, Elevation, Avoiding anti-inflammatories initially (as they may impede natural healing), and applying Compression. The LOVE portion emphasizes Loading the area gradually, maintaining Optimism (yes, your mindset matters!), promoting Vascularization through gentle movement, and gradually returning to Exercise.

Over-the-counter medications can provide temporary relief - acetaminophen helps with pain, while NSAIDs like ibuprofen address both pain and inflammation. Many of my patients have found topical creams and gels particularly helpful for outer hip pain, as they deliver relief directly to the painful area without the stomach upset sometimes caused by oral medications.

"I was amazed at how much my hip pain improved just by changing how I slept," shared Maria, one of our Brooklyn patients. "Using a pillow between my knees made all the difference in the world." For side-sleepers with hip pain, this simple adjustment can significantly reduce pressure on the painful hip.

Physical Therapy & Exercise Programs

Physical therapy often provides the most sustainable path to recovery for what causes hip pain. At Evolve Physical Therapy + Sports Rehabilitation in Brooklyn, we create individualized treatment plans that address your specific needs.

Manual therapy techniques form a cornerstone of our approach. These hands-on methods include joint mobilization to improve movement, soft tissue mobilization to release tight muscles, myofascial release to address connective tissue restrictions, and trigger point therapy to release painful knots in muscles. These techniques help restore normal mobility and decrease pain before moving on to more active interventions.

The exercise component typically includes strengthening weak muscles (particularly the glutes, which often become inhibited with hip pain), improving flexibility in tight areas, enhancing core stability, and rebuilding balance and proprioception. We carefully progress these exercises as your body heals and adapts.

Some of our most effective exercises include glute bridges, which strengthen the powerful gluteal muscles while being gentle on the hip joint. Clamshells target the often-neglected gluteus medius, which plays a crucial role in hip stability during walking. Hip flexor stretches address the common tightness that develops from prolonged sitting, while figure-4 stretches help release tension in the piriformis and other external rotators.

"Movement is essential for relieving hip pain," explains Dr. Kimbrough. "People often think, 'Unless I fix the bony overgrowth, I'm not going to get better,' but remember, appropriate movement and exercise are key components of healing."

Beyond exercises, we may incorporate therapeutic modalities like ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or heat/cold therapy to complement your treatment. These tools can help manage pain and promote healing, though they're most effective when combined with active approaches.

Medical & Surgical Options

When conservative approaches aren't providing adequate relief, medical interventions may become necessary. These options range from minimally invasive procedures to major surgery.

Injections often serve as an intermediate step between conservative care and surgery. Corticosteroid injections can provide powerful anti-inflammatory effects, though their use is typically limited to a few times per year. Hyaluronic acid injections aim to improve joint lubrication, while platelet-rich plasma (PRP) uses components of your own blood to potentially stimulate healing. These injections are often performed under ultrasound guidance for precision.

For certain conditions like labral tears or femoroacetabular impingement, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended. This minimally invasive approach uses small incisions and a camera to perform procedures like labral repair, removal of bone spurs, or clearing out damaged tissue. Recovery typically takes weeks rather than months.

In more advanced cases, especially with severe arthritis, open surgical procedures may be necessary. These include osteotomy (cutting and realigning bone), hip resurfacing (replacing just the joint surfaces), or total hip replacement (replacing both the ball and socket with artificial components). Modern hip replacements can last 20+ years and allow people to return to active lifestyles.

If surgery is in your future, consider pre-surgical rehabilitation or "prehab." At Evolve, we offer specialized prehab for hip replacement surgery that helps patients enter surgery stronger and recover faster. Research consistently shows that patients who participate in prehab experience better outcomes and quicker returns to normal activities.

Everyday Habits That Protect Your Hips

Preventing hip problems is always preferable to treating them. Incorporating hip-friendly habits into your daily routine can help maintain joint health for years to come.

Maintaining a healthy weight is perhaps the most important preventive measure. Every extra pound puts additional stress on your hip joints—up to 4-6 times your body weight during activities like walking or climbing stairs. Even modest weight loss can significantly reduce hip pain for many people.

Your choice of activities matters too. Low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and elliptical training strengthen hip muscles without excessive joint stress. If you're a runner, consider cross-training rather than running every day. A Brooklyn runner who recovered from hip pain at Evolve shared: "Learning to cross-train instead of running every day made all the difference for my hips. Now I mix swimming, cycling, and strength training with my running, and I haven't had hip pain in over a year."

Don't underestimate the importance of proper footwear. Supportive shoes provide alignment and shock absorption that protect your hips. This is especially crucial if you spend long hours on your feet or have existing biomechanical issues.

Ergonomics play a surprising role in hip health. Many hip problems stem from prolonged sitting with poor posture. Ensure your workspace supports proper alignment, take regular movement breaks, and consider a standing desk option if possible.

Sleep position can make or break your hip comfort. Side-sleepers should use a pillow between their knees to maintain proper alignment. Back-sleepers might benefit from a small pillow under their knees. Your mattress should be supportive but not too firm—a medium-firm mattress often provides the best balance for hip pain sufferers.

Finally, nutrition matters. Adequate calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health, while staying well-hydrated helps maintain joint lubrication. Anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, berries, and olive oil may help manage chronic inflammation that contributes to hip pain.

By combining these prevention strategies with appropriate treatment when needed, most people with hip pain can return to the activities they love. At Evolve Physical Therapy, we're committed to helping you not just recover from hip pain, but build habits that prevent its return.

FAQs: Quick Answers

What Causes Hip Pain at Night?

If you've ever tossed and turned with an aching hip, you're not alone. More than one-third of American adults report that what causes hip pain at night significantly disrupts their sleep.

"Nighttime hip pain is frustrating because it creates this vicious cycle – pain disrupts sleep, and poor sleep makes pain feel worse the next day," explains Dr. Kimbrough.

Your sleeping position often plays a major role. Side sleeping puts direct pressure on the hip joint and those sensitive bursae. Many people find relief by sleeping on their back or placing a pillow between their knees when side sleeping. One of our patients, Margaret, told us, "That simple pillow trick changed my life – I finally sleep through the night again!"

Your mattress matters too. Too soft, and your hips sink, creating misalignment. Too firm, and there's excessive pressure on the bony parts of your hips. A medium-firm mattress with a supportive topper often provides the right balance.

Bursitis tends to flare up at night, especially when lying directly on the affected hip. Osteoarthritis pain can worsen after being still for extended periods, which is why many people experience stiffness and pain upon waking. For expecting mothers, pregnancy-related discomfort increases as hormonal changes loosen ligaments and shift weight distribution.

Try taking a warm bath before bedtime to relax tight muscles, and consider applying a topical NSAID cream before sleep if you have arthritis pain. Just check with your doctor first to make sure it's safe for your situation.

Should I Exercise if My Hip Hurts?

This might be the question we hear most frequently at Evolve Physical Therapy. The answer isn't simply yes or no – it depends on your specific situation.

For acute injuries (like a recent fall or sudden pain), relative rest is usually appropriate initially. But for chronic conditions, appropriate movement is often beneficial. As we like to say, "motion is lotion" – the right kind of movement helps lubricate joints and strengthen supporting muscles.

What causes hip pain to worsen is often high-impact exercise. Instead, try gentler options like swimming, water walking, or stationary cycling. These activities strengthen muscles without putting excessive stress on painful joints.

Pay attention to your pain response. A little discomfort during exercise might be normal, but if pain increases significantly during activity, persists for hours afterward, or disrupts your sleep that night, you need to modify your approach.

"The old 'no pain, no gain' mentality can be dangerous with hip issues," warns Dr. Kimbrough. "Instead, aim for short, regular walks to keep muscles strong and joints mobile, but always check with your healthcare provider about your specific exercise routine."

Working with a physical therapist to develop an appropriate exercise program takes the guesswork out of the equation. We can help you find the sweet spot between doing too much and too little.

When Is Hip Pain an Emergency?

While most hip pain can be addressed through conservative care, some situations require immediate medical attention. Don't hesitate to seek emergency care if you experience:

Sudden, severe pain, especially following a fall or injury. This could indicate a fracture, particularly in older adults with osteoporosis.

Inability to bear weight on the affected leg. If you can't put weight on your leg without extreme pain, something serious may be happening.

Visible deformity where your hip appears misshapen or your leg is noticeably shorter or turned outward. This could signal a dislocation or fracture.

Signs of infection like fever, redness, or unusual warmth around the hip joint. Joint infections can progress rapidly and cause permanent damage if not treated promptly.

Loss of feeling or numbness and tingling that extends into the leg or foot, which might indicate nerve compression requiring urgent care.

Sudden loss of movement where you cannot move the hip joint at all, which could indicate several serious conditions.

One Brooklyn resident shared a powerful cautionary tale: "I thought I could tough out my hip pain after a fall, but when I couldn't put any weight on it and noticed my leg was turned outward, I went to the ER. It turned out I had a hip fracture that required immediate surgery. Don't wait if something seems seriously wrong."

When it comes to what causes hip pain that requires emergency attention, it's always better to err on the side of caution. Serious conditions like fractures, dislocations, and infections need prompt treatment for the best outcomes.

Conclusion

Living with hip pain isn't something you should simply accept as normal. Whether it's a dull ache that wakes you at night or a sharp pain that limits your daily activities, understanding what causes hip pain is your first step toward finding relief.

Throughout this guide, we've explored the many faces of hip pain—from sudden injuries like fractures and labral tears to the gradual onset of conditions like osteoarthritis and tendinitis. What's become clear is that hip pain is rarely straightforward, often involving complex interactions between bones, muscles, tendons, and nerves.

One of the most important insights we've covered is that hip pain can be deceptive. That nagging discomfort in your hip might actually originate elsewhere—your lower back, sacroiliac joint, or even internal organs. This is why professional evaluation is so valuable; what feels like hip arthritis might actually be a referred pain pattern from a completely different source.

The location of your pain offers valuable clues. When patients tell me they feel pain deep in their groin, I'm immediately thinking about the hip joint itself. Outer hip pain often points to bursitis or IT band issues, while discomfort in the buttock region might suggest SI joint problems or piriformis syndrome.

I've seen countless patients who wished they'd sought help sooner. Early intervention can make an enormous difference in outcomes, especially for conditions like avascular necrosis or labral tears where timely treatment prevents further damage. Don't wait until you can barely walk to seek help for your hip pain.

The good news is that most hip conditions respond well to conservative approaches. Physical therapy, targeted exercise programs, and simple lifestyle adjustments often provide significant relief without surgery. Even for those who eventually need surgical intervention, starting with proper rehabilitation sets the stage for better outcomes.

Remember those red flags we discussed—inability to bear weight, visible deformity, fever with hip pain—these require immediate medical attention. Don't hesitate to seek emergency care if you experience these symptoms.

At Evolve Physical Therapy + Sports Rehabilitation in Brooklyn, we see hip pain not as an isolated problem but as part of your overall movement system. Our approach looks beyond simple symptom management to address underlying movement patterns, muscle imbalances, and lifestyle factors that contribute to your pain. We use hands-on techniques and personalized exercise programs to help restore normal function and get you back to the activities you love.

Hip pain doesn't have to define your future or limit your potential. With proper understanding and care, most hip conditions can be effectively managed, allowing you to stay active and engaged in life. Whether you're a competitive athlete looking to return to your sport or simply want to walk through the neighborhood without pain, there's reason for optimism.

If hip pain is affecting your quality of life, I encourage you to reach out to our Brooklyn clinic for an evaluation. Our expert team is ready to help you evolve beyond pain toward optimal function and performance. After all, life's too short to let hip pain slow you down.