When Chronic Hip Pain Becomes Serious: Understanding Joint Preservation Options

Worried About Hip Pain?

Chronic hip pain is a common issue that impacts thousands of Americans. The hip is prone to damage from natural wear and tear, arthritis, or side effects from a past injury. Indicators of the condition include persistent pain in the hip, groin, thigh, or buttock areas. Stiffness, limited range of motion (ROM), pain when bending or during physical activity, and popping or snapping are other common symptoms. If left untreated, chronic hip pain can significantly impact quality of life. These cases may require surgery, but there are strategies to improve hip pain and delay procedures. Working with a doctor can determine the best joint preservation options available.

Physical therapy can help

Physical therapy (PT) is an effective strategy for preserving the hip joint. A physiotherapist will use a series of exercises and stretches to strengthen the surrounding muscles. By improving hamstring, quadricep, and glute strength, the joint receives more support. Stretches and other modalities improve mobility and flexibility. PT also helps to support the ligaments and tissues that work with the hip, reducing pain and delaying more invasive treatments.

Switch up your activities

Doctors will recommend activity modifications that can worsen symptoms. Some patients have specific jobs, lift heavy objects, or participate in physical activity that causes hip pain. Reducing, modifying, or removing these activities entirely will slow down joint degeneration. Behavior modification means changes to lifestyle or adjusting work routines to manage pain. Doctors will recommend new exercises or activities such as swimming or aquatherapy, which take the pressure off the joints. Activity modification also improves the effectiveness of other treatments.

Consider pain management options

Chronic hip pain patients need effective ways to manage discomfort and stiffness. The use of medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce inflammation and pain. NSAIDs are available in over-the-counter options, but some patients may need more effective prescriptions. If NSAIDs are ineffective, doctors may recommend stronger opioids. While effective, opioids must be used with care to avoid dependency. Injectable corticosteroids can provide long-term relief by dispensing medication at the source. These injections are sometimes used as a diagnostic tool to determine the source of pain. Pain management is essential to delaying or preventing surgery.

Look into regenerative medicine

What if there was a way to naturally improve symptoms and even regenerate tissue? Using techniques like regenerative medicine, patients can experience relief and even avoid surgery. Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), for instance, uses stem cells harvested from bone marrow in the hip to boost healing in the painful area. Doctors can also extract platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from blood samples. By placing the sample in a centrifuge, the separated platelets can be used for healing. Regenerative medicine uses the body’s natural healing properties to accelerate healing, reduce pain, and even restore lost tissue.

Is it time for surgery?

Joint preservation techniques are effective for younger individuals who want to take immediate action for chronic hip pain. These options help individuals who wish to delay or even avoid surgery. Athletes or active individuals with injuries like femoroacetabular impingement, labral tears, or dysplasia can benefit from joint preservation. Early intervention can help preserve cartilage. If treatment fails to improve symptoms or there is moderate to severe joint damage, surgery is recommended. Procedures that can help protect joint health include hip arthroscopy, osteotomy, osteoplasty, or labral repair. Individuals with severe osteoarthritis may require total joint replacement. Patients undergoing hip surgery typically require several weeks of physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.

Hip check your chronic pain

Chronic hip pain can be debilitating and may damage the joint over time. Joint preservation is an effective way to reduce symptoms and possibly delay surgery. Using non-surgical strategies like physical therapy, pain management, and regenerative medicine can help. Lifestyle changes and activity adjustments also support treatment. Taking immediate action with support from healthcare professionals can prevent hip pain from becoming too severe.