5 Treatable Causes of Chronic Hip Pain

Pain in one or both hips is common. In fact, around 10% of the general population experiences hip pain, and it’s even more common among older adults. 

Your hips bear much of your upper body weight, so chronic pain often occurs because of wear-and-tear in the joints. 

When hip pain becomes chronic, it can be more than just a temporary nuisance. It can lower your capacity for work and leisurely activities. You might be more likely to stay home and miss events you would otherwise attend. 

If you have chronic hip pain, double board-certified pain management specialist Glenn Flanagan, MD, offers thoughtful and advanced treatment at Naples Regenerative Institute in Naples, Florida. 

Chronic hip pain can benefit from modern treatments like stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and prolotherapy. 

Steroids, commonly used to treat hip pain, need to be used sparingly because they can eventually speed up joint deterioration. For that reason, Dr. Flanagan specializes in alternative treatments like regenerative injections and Multiwave Locked System (MLS®) laser therapy. 

Are you wondering whether your chronic hip pain is treatable? Here are five common causes of hip pain that respond well to treatment:

1. Osteoarthritis

One of the most common causes of chronic hip pain among older adults is osteoarthritis. It occurs due to wear-and-tear damage within joints, especially weight-bearing joints like knees and hips. 

Your joint cartilage breaks down over time when you have osteoarthritis. Along with pain, you might experience hip stiffness after rest. 

1. Bursitis

Often mistaken for arthritis, bursitis is inflammation of the bursae in affected joints. Bursae are fluid-filled sacs in some joints, including the hips. They cushion the joint to reduce friction. 

When hip bursae are inflamed, they cause pain in the hip and outer thigh. Typically, the pain is at its worst at night. Like osteoarthritis, bursitis can result from overuse or repetitive use of the joint, as well as a hip injury. 

1. Tendinitis

Tendinitis originates in the tendons supporting a joint, not inside the joint. When hip tendons become irritated and inflamed, the resulting pain can become chronic and can worsen the more you use your hips. Hip tendinitis is common in athletes, especially runners, swimmers, and cyclists. 

Hip pain from tendinitis usually sets in gradually and can eventually lead to mobility issues. Fortunately, tendinitis is treatable with regenerative therapies at Naples Regenerative Institute. 

1. Labral tears

A hip labral tear is a tear in the cartilage of the hip joint called the labrum. The labrum holds the “ball” and “socket” parts of the hip joint together. 

A labral tear can be an acute injury. However, it can also happen slowly over time and cause chronic hip pain. These injuries can happen to anyone but are most common among athletes who play impact sports. 

Beyond hip pain, labral tears can cause hip stiffness and clicking or popping sounds when you move your hip. 

1. Hip fractures

Although hip fractures are often acute injuries, they can be the original cause of chronic hip pain. Even a tiny fracture can cause significant hip pain and cause trouble walking. Your risk for hip fractures increases with age because your bones get weaker and less dense. 

To avoid hip fractures in old age and the chronic pain that can come from them, take steps to maintain your bone density and balance. 

Get help for your hip pain

Dr. Flanagan specializes in treating chronic hip pain using the latest regenerative therapies within comprehensive care plans. Call Naples Regenerative Institute or request an appointment online for hip pain treatment today.