Hip pain can stop you in your tracks and make every step a struggle. Whether you’re dealing with stiffness, aching, or sharp discomfort, hip issues can interfere with everything from walking upstairs to getting a good night’s sleep.
Our experienced hip pain doctors and hip specialists have been treating New York patients for years, helping them overcome both acute injuries and chronic conditions.
Our approach puts you first. We start with conservative treatments whenever possible, but we also have the surgical expertise to handle complex cases when non-invasive options aren’t enough. From diagnosis through recovery, we’re committed to helping you move freely and pain-free again.
Ready to take the first step toward better hip health?
What are the causes of hip pain?
Hip pain can arise from various sources, affecting different structures in and around the joint. Here are the main causes our hip doctors in NYC treat:
Joint-Related Causes:
- Arthritis – Osteoarthritis is most common, causing cartilage breakdown and bone-on-bone friction. Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions can also affect the hip.
- Hip impingement – When the ball and socket don’t fit together properly, causing pain during movement.
- Labral tear – Damage to the ring of cartilage (labrum) that lines the hip socket.
- Hip dysplasia – Abnormal development of the hip socket. It can be more common in women.
Muscle and Soft Tissue Causes:
- Bursitis – Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint, particularly on the outer hip.
- Muscle strains – Overstretching or tearing of hip muscles, especially the hip flexors, glutes, or groin muscles.
- Tendinitis – Inflammation of tendons around the hip from overuse or repetitive motion.
- IT band syndrome – Tightness or inflammation of the iliotibial band running along the outer thigh.
Bone-Related Causes:
- Fractures – Hip fractures as a result of falls or accidents can be especially common in older adults with osteoporosis.
- Avascular necrosis – An uncommon loss of blood supply to the hip bone, causing bone death.
- Stress fractures – Small cracks in the bone from repetitive stress caused by overuse, such as in athletics.
Other Causes:
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- Sciatica – Nerve compression in the lower back that can cause referred pain to the hip.
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction – Problems with the joint connecting the spine to the pelvis.
- Infections – Rare but serious bacterial infections in the joint.
- Tumors – A very rare cause of hip pain.
- Hip pain during pregnancy – Additional strain is placed on the joint of the hip during pregnancy can cause pain and mobility issues.
The location, timing, and nature of your hip pain can help determine the underlying cause. Pain that worsens with activity often suggests joint problems, while pain at rest might indicate inflammation or infection.
An experienced doctor can help you diagnose the problem and develop a treatment plan to address the pain and prevent long-term issues.
What’s causing your pain? Determining the precise cause requires evaluation by a qualified specialist. This hip pain location diagram can serve as an initial guide.
What are the symptoms of hip pain?
Hip pain symptoms can vary significantly depending on the underlying cause and location of the problem. Here’s what you might experience:
- Stiffness – Reduced range of motion, difficulty putting on shoes or socks.
- Limping – Favoring one leg to avoid pain.
- Clicking or popping – May occur with labral tears or loose cartilage.
- Locking or catching – Feeling like the hip gets stuck during movement.
- Weakness – Difficulty with activities like climbing stairs or standing from a chair.
- Swelling – Visible around the hip or groin area.
- Warmth or redness – May indicate infection or severe inflammation.
- Referred pain – Pain that radiates to the knee, lower back, or buttocks.
- Numbness or tingling – In the thigh or leg, suggesting nerve involvement.
You might also find that everyday activities are difficult, such as:
- Difficulty walking long distances
- Problems getting in and out of cars
- Trouble with stairs
- Pain when crossing legs
- Difficulty with sports or exercise
Symptoms might differ depending on the root cause of your issue. Where do you feel pain most regularly?
- Deep groin pain – Often indicates problems within the hip joint itself, such as arthritis or labral tears.
- Outer hip pain – Typically suggests bursitis, IT band issues, or muscle strains.
- Buttock pain – May indicate problems with the sacroiliac joint, piriformis muscle, or as a result of a lower back issue.
- Front of thigh pain – Can be related to hip joint problems or nerve compression.
Pain comes in many forms. How you experience your hip pain can point to different causes.
- Sharp, stabbing pain – Often occurs with sudden movements or specific positions.
- Dull, aching pain – More common with arthritis or chronic conditions.
- Burning or tingling – May suggest nerve involvement.
- Throbbing pain – Can indicate inflammation or infection.
When the pain occurs can also indicate different conditions. Think about when your hip pain is generally at its worst:
- Morning stiffness – Common with arthritis, usually improves with gentle movement.
- Pain with activity – Walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from sitting.
- Night pain – Can disrupt sleep and may indicate severe arthritis or other serious conditions.
- Pain when lying on the affected side – Often associated with bursitis.
The pattern and combination of these symptoms can help us identify the likely cause of your pain and design a treatment plan that helps you recover.
How is hip pain treated?
Our hip specialists and orthopedic hip doctors work closely with you throughout your recovery. We always prioritize non-surgical treatments that promote the body’s natural healing processes. Only in the most serious cases do we suggest surgical intervention.
Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Rest and activity modification – Avoiding activities that worsen pain while maintaining gentle movement to prevent stiffness
- Physical therapy – Strengthening exercises for hip muscles, stretching tight areas, and improving flexibility and range of motion
- Medications – Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and prescription anti-inflammatory drugs for more severe cases
- Ice and heat therapy – Ice for acute injuries and inflammation, heat for muscle stiffness and chronic pain
- Weight management – Reducing excess weight to decrease pressure on the hip joint
- Assistive devices – Canes, walkers, or shoe inserts to improve mobility and reduce joint stress
Injection Therapies:
Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief for conditions like bursitis, arthritis, or labral tears. Our hip doctors in NYC are well-versed in steroid injections, and the effects can last several months. Hyaluronic acid injections may also be used for arthritis in some cases.
Surgical Options:
When conservative treatments fail, surgical interventions may be necessary. Hip arthroscopy can address labral tears and impingement through small incisions.
For severe arthritis or joint damage, hip replacement surgery may be recommended, which can provide excellent long-term pain relief and restored function.
Lifestyle Modifications:
Low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, or walking can maintain fitness without excessive joint stress. Proper ergonomics at work and home, along with good sleep positioning, can also help manage symptoms.
The most effective treatment approach often combines multiple strategies, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
What conditions do our hip doctors treat?
Our expert team of orthopedic hip surgeons can treat a range of conditions, including:
- Arthroscopic Hip Surgery/Hip Arthroscopy
- Dislocated Hip
- Femoracetabular Impingement
- Gluteus Medius Tears (Gluteus Medius Tendonitis)
- Hip Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)
- Hip Bursitis
- Hip Fracture Treatment
- Hip Impingement: Surgery & Recovery
- Hip Labral Tear
- Hip Resurfacing Procedure
- Muscle Spasm
- Osteochondritis Dessicans (OCD)
- Revision Hip Replacement Surgery
- Snapping Hip Syndrome
- Total Hip Replacement Surgery
Why are we among NYC’s top-rated hip specialists and hip doctors?
New York Bone and Joint Specialists are counted among New York’s best hip doctors and surgeons. For decades, patients have trusted our expertise. Here’s why:
- We prioritize the health and healing of your joints, essential for a long and active life.
- Our world-class joint specialists offer comprehensive and caring guidance, from diagnosis to full recovery, for a wide range of conditions.
- In over 90% of cases, our orthopedic treatments successfully resolve issues without the need for surgery.
- We are committed to complete patient recovery through conservative methods and expert surgical care when necessary.
Read our Patient Reviews below.
Our top-rated orthopedic hip specialists in NYC
New York Bone & Joint Specialists is founded on a philosophy of preservation. This approach, prioritizing the body’s own structures for long-term joint health, results in 90% of our patients recovering without the need for surgery.
Our dedicated team of orthopedic doctors, surgeons, physical therapists, and support staff is committed to providing exceptional care and ensuring the lasting health and function of your joints, offering peace of mind to every patient.
