Hip pain affects millions of people. It can develop gradually as your joints age or suddenly after an injury.

At OHSU, our hip and joint specialists can help you reduce pain and stay as active as possible. We offer a full range of hip pain treatments, including:

• Expert care for arthritis, injuries and other hip conditions
• Full and partial hip joint replacement
• All types of hip surgery, including revision surgery and joint resurfacing
• Physical therapy, medication management and other nonsurgical care

Complete care for hip pain

The OHSU hip pain team includes orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine specialists, physical therapists and more.

From your first appointment through your recovery, we work together. You benefit from:

• Early physical therapy to help you move better
• Pain management strategies
• Milestones for each stage of recovery

Diagnosing hip pain

At your first visit, your provider will:

• Ask about your pain, medical history and any past injuries
• Look at how well you can move your hip and how strong it is
• Check for swelling, tenderness or deformity
• Watch how you walk and put weight on your hip

You may also have:

• X-rays to check your bones and joints
• MRI or CT scans to see soft tissues and cartilage
• Blood tests to check for infection or inflammation

We use EOS imaging, an X-ray technique that allows us to see your body’s alignment and how everything works together. The most advanced hip pain treatment centers use this technique. 

Hip conditions we treat

We treat all types of hip pain, including:

• Hip arthritis (osteoarthritis): This "wear and tear" type of arthritis happens when the smooth covering on your hip bones wears away. Bones start rubbing together, causing pain, stiffness and trouble moving. This is the most common type of hip arthritis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: This happens when your body's defense system attacks your joints by mistake. This causes pain, swelling and stiffness in your hip. 
• Hip labral tears: This is a tear in the ring of tissue that cushions your hip socket. You might feel pain, hear clicking sounds or have a “catching” feeling when you move your hip.
• Hip impingement (femoroacetabular impingement): This condition, also known as FAI, happens when the bones in your hip joint don't fit together right. It can damage the joint over time and make it hard to move your hip normally.
• Hip bursitis: This is swelling of the small, fluid-filled cushions on the outside of your hip. It causes pain on the outer side of your hip. It often hurts more when lying on that side or going up stairs.
• Hip fractures: A break in the top part of your thigh bone near your hip joint causes severe pain. It also makes it impossible to put weight on that leg.
• Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis): This condition, also known as AVN, happens when the blood supply to your hip bone is cut off. That causes the bone to die. It leads to pain, and it can damage your hip joint.

Treating hip pain without surgery

Most hip pain improves without surgery. We usually try these options first:

Physical therapy: Targeted exercises strengthen the muscles around your hip. This keeps the joint more stable and reduces stress on it. You work on flexibility, balance and moving correctly to prevent problems.

Shots: Medications can relieve pain. Talk with your care team about options. In some cases, we offer platelet-rich plasma shots through OHSU Sports Medicine. There is evidence they can help with hip pain.

Lifestyle changes: Simple changes can make a big difference. For example, staying at a healthy weight reduces stress on your joints. Devices such as canes help with balance or provide support when healing. Changing how you do some activities can help you avoid pain.

Medications: Over-the-counter medications can help you manage pain and inflammation. If they don’t, you may want to try prescription medication.

Surgery for hip pain

Surgery can provide relief if other options don’t. Benefits of surgery can include:

• Less pain — and sometimes no pain
• Better ability to move
• More stable joints
• Return to daily activities and sports

Hip arthroscopy: We use small cuts and a camera to repair labral tears, to remove bone spurs or to treat impingement. You can usually go home the same day. A full recovery usually takes 3 to 6 months.

Hip replacement: We replace damaged hip joints with artificial materials. Hip replacement is common. It usually relieves pain and helps you get back to regular activities. You and your care team may decide on hip replacement if you have severe arthritis or other damage. We will help you choose the safest, least invasive option that is right for you. Our care managers, physical therapists and physician assistants work together to help you heal. Full recovery usually takes 3 to 6 months. Learn more about hip replacement.

Learn more about hip pain

• OHSU Sports Medicine
• Hip Arthroscopy, OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
• Managing Arthritis Pain with Exercise, OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
• Hip Injuries and Disorders, MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine
• When Hip Pain May Mean Arthritis, Arthritis Foundation