Hip Pain
Common Causes of Hip Pain
Hip pain can severely limit daily activity and diminish quality of life. The most common causes of hip pain are:
- Arthritis – usually osteoarthritis but, more rarely, rheumatoid arthritis
- Bursitis
- Referred pain – such as a problem in the back that is affecting the sciatic nerve, causing pain in the hip
Getting to the Root Cause of Hip Pain
There are many causes of hip pain, not all of them originating in the hip. Since the proper treatment will depend on the root cause, take these steps to make sure an accurate diagnosis is made.
- See your family doctor.
- Attend a hip pain seminar to learn about diagnosis and treatment methods. Click here to see if any hip pain seminars are currently being offered at MidMichigan.
- Your family doctor may refer you to an orthopaedic specialist, or you may make an appointment to see one of our orthopaedic specialists directly.
Diagnostic Testing
Your family doctor or orthopaedic specialist may use some or all of the following evaluation methods to arrive at a diagnosis.
- Physical examination
- X-ray
- MRI
- Blood test for rheumatoid arthritis
Treatment Options
Typically, your doctor may recommend one of the following treatments.
- Medication – typically oral anti-inflammatories
- Activity modification or rest
- Cortisone injections
- Physical or occupational therapy – MidMichigan Health offers comprehensive rehabilitation services at several convenient locations. Ask your doctor about a referral to our services.
- Assistive devices
- Weight management
Surgery
Hip replacement – If your condition warrants a hip replacement, MidMichigan offers a special surgical program called Joint Camp that provides faster recovery, higher patient satisfaction, lower risk of infection and improved outcomes, compared to traditional surgery. Joint Camp is available at our Medical Centers in Alma and Midland.
Learn more about Joint Camp
