When to Seek Medical Help for Hip Pain
                     When to Seek Medical Help for 
Hip Pain
Introduction
Hip pain can be a common complaint that people experience, 
especially as they age or engage in activities that put a lot of stress 
on the hip joint. While many cases of hip pain can be managed with 
rest, self-care, and over-the-counter pain relievers, there are times 
when seeking medical help is necessary.
The hip is a ball and socket joint and is located in a complex area of 
the body. Orthopedic sports medicine doctors and joint replacement 
specialists provide care for patients with hip injuries and pain. Hip 
pain can arise at any age – for younger, active patients hip pain 
usually stems for an injury to the hip. As we age, the cartilage may 
wear out and that opens the door for arthritis to set into the hip 
joint. Joint replacement specialists evaluate and treat these patients 
and offer traditional, minimally invasive, and revision surgeries to 
replace the hip joint, alleviate pain and restore motion.
Some of the most common conditions that lead 
to hip pain.
Arthritis: Arthritis is a common cause of hip pain, 
particularly among older adults. Osteoarthritis is the most 
common type of arthritis that affects the hip joint. It occurs 
when the cartilage in the joint wears down over time, 
causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Bursitis: Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursae, small 
fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. When the bursae 
become inflamed, they can cause pain and swelling in the 
hip joint.
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Tendinitis: Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons that 
connect muscles to bones. When tendons in the hip joint 
become inflamed, they can cause pain and stiffness.
Hip labral tears: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that 
surrounds the hip socket, providing stability and cushioning. 
When the labrum is torn or damaged, it can cause pain and 
reduced mobility in the hip joint.
Fractures: Fractures of the hip joint can occur due to 
trauma or osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones 
over time. Hip fractures are most common among older 
adults and can cause severe pain and reduced mobility.
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Sciatica: Sciatica is a condition that occurs when the sciatic 
nerve, which runs from the lower back down to the legs, 
becomes compressed or irritated. This can cause pain, 
numbness, and tingling in the hip and leg.
Herniated disc: A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-
like material inside a spinal disc pushes out through a tear in 
the disc's outer layer. This can cause pain and other symptoms 
in the lower back, hip, and leg.
Snapping hip syndrome: Snapping hip syndrome is a 
condition in which the hip joint makes a snapping or popping 
sound during movement. It can be caused by a range of 
factors, including muscle tightness or a damaged labrum.
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 If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it 
is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. 
Your doctor will be able to evaluate your condition and 
recommend the most appropriate course of treatment, 
which may include hip surgery.
Some of the most common types of hip surgery and what you can expect from each.
Total Hip Replacement: Total hip replacement is a common 
surgery used to treat severe hip joint damage or arthritis. 
During the procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged parts 
of the hip joint and replaces them with artificial components 
made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. This surgery can significantly 
reduce pain and improve mobility, but it requires a period of 
rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility.
Hip Resurfacing: Hip resurfacing is a type of hip replacement 
surgery that preserves more of the patient's natural bone than 
traditional hip replacement. During the procedure, the surgeon 
reshapes the damaged surfaces of the hip joint and fits them 
with a metal cap, which is then covered with a metal shell. This 
surgery is less invasive than total hip replacement, and 
recovery time may be faster.
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Hip Arthroscopy: Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery 
that is used to diagnose and treat problems with the hip joint, 
such as labral tears, impingement, or loose bodies. During the 
procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions around the hip joint 
and uses a small camera and surgical tools to perform the 
necessary repairs. Recovery time is generally faster than with 
traditional hip surgery.
Hip Fusion: Hip fusion is a surgery used to treat severe arthritis 
or other conditions that cannot be treated with joint replacement. 
During the procedure, the surgeon fuses the bones of the hip joint 
together, which reduces pain but also limits mobility.
Hip Osteotomy: Hip osteotomy is a surgery used to realign the 
hip joint and redistribute weight-bearing forces to reduce pain and 
prevent further damage. During the procedure, the surgeon cuts 
and repositions the bones of the hip joint to improve its alignment. 
Recovery time may be longer than other types of hip surgery.
CONTACT US:
Optim Surgery Center
 
Ambulatory Surgery Center
210 East DeRenne Avenue
Savannah, GA, 31405 
Contact 
912.644.5343 
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