Hip Pain Treatment in Dallas

What causes hip pain?

Hip pain has many possible sources, and where you feel it narrows the list. The hip joint itself sits deep in the groin. The bony bump on the outside of your upper thigh, plus the tendons and bursa over it, cause much of the outer hip pain we see. And the lower back can send pain into the buttock and leg.

What raises the risk?

AAOS lists older age, family history, prior hip injury, extra body weight and a hip joint that formed abnormally as risk factors for hip osteoarthritis. For bursitis, it lists repetitive activity like running, stair climbing or long periods of standing, a tight IT band, leg length differences, and spine problems that change how you walk. Bursitis is more common in women and in middle-aged and older adults.

What symptoms should you watch for?

Osteoarthritis usually builds slowly. AAOS describes groin pain that can spread to the thigh, buttock or knee, often worse in the morning or after sitting. Over time, bending and walking get harder.

Bursitis tends to cause sharp outer hip pain early, then a deeper ache. It often hurts at night, when lying on that side, getting up from a chair, or walking up stairs.

Buttock pain with tingling below the knee points toward the lower back. See our pages on low back pain and sciatica.

How do we evaluate hip pain?

We start with your history: where the pain is, when it began, what makes it worse, and what you need your hips to do, whether that is sitting through a commute or getting through a pickleball match. The exam checks hip range of motion, strength of the glutes and core, tender points, and special tests for the joint, tendons and lower back.

We also watch you walk, squat and balance on one leg. X-rays are taken when arthritis or a bone problem is suspected, since they show joint space narrowing and bone spurs. If a labral tear, stress fracture or other problem needs an MRI, we refer you.

What treatments help hip pain?

AAOS lists physical therapy and exercise as first-line care for both hip osteoarthritis and hip bursitis, along with activity changes and weight loss when it applies. Other treatments may help you move with less pain while you build strength. Results vary.

• Physical rehab: Glute, hip and core strengthening, mobility work, and a gradual return to walking, running or sport.
• Chiropractic adjustments: Mobilizing the lower back, pelvis and hip can ease stiffness that changes how you move.
• Shockwave therapy: Sometimes used for stubborn gluteal tendon pain on the outer hip. Evidence is limited, so it is an add-on to exercise.
• Dry needling and medical massage: Target tight, tender muscles around the hip and buttock. Evidence is limited.
• Medical pain management: When necessary, injections provided by our physician, Dr. Hector Molina, MD. AAOS notes that repeated steroid injections into a bursa should be limited.

What can you do at home?

1. Sleep with a pillow. Lie on the pain-free side with a pillow between your knees.
2. Avoid crossing your legs and standing with your weight shifted onto one hip.
3. Strengthen your glutes. Bridges and side-lying leg lifts, done most days, build support.
4. Choose lower-impact exercise. Swimming, cycling and walking on flat ground are often easier than running.
5. Break up sitting. Stand and walk for a few minutes every 30 to 45 minutes.

When should you see an orthopedic surgeon or go to the ER?

Go to the ER for a suspected hip fracture, a hot hip with fever, or any red flag on this page. See an orthopedic surgeon if arthritis pain limits daily life despite several months of good nonsurgical care, or if a catching, locking hip keeps getting worse. AAOS reports that surgery for hip bursitis is rarely needed, while total hip replacement is the most common surgery for advanced arthritis.

Hip and knee pain often travel together, since both share the same muscles.