Dr. Abhinandan Bio

• Dr. Abhinandan Punit , MS, DNB, MCh (Edinburgh), MSc Sports & Exercise Medicine

• 15+ years of surgical experience with 6,000+ orthopedic surgeries

• Performs 200+ knee replacements annually, specializing in robotic techniques (MAKO, Cuvis, Cori)

• Fellowship training in the UK and Australia

• Founder of Elite Orthocare Multi-Specialty Clinic and consultant at Narayana Clinic & Hospitals

• Member of ISHKS and ISTA, with published outcome research in peer-reviewed journals

• Linkedin
  

What Causes Hip Pain? 7 Causes That You Should Know

Arthritis, Bursitis, Muscle Strain, Labral Tear, Tendonitis, Fracture, and Pain Referring From Your Spine are all causes of Hip Pain. Hip pain can be caused by Injury, Over Use, Inflammation or Aging and could present in the Groin, Outer Hip, Buttocks or Thigh area depending on the underlying cause.

Many people in Bangalore with early hip pain choose to ignore it thinking it will go away after a couple of days, or is caused by general fatigue. However when Hip Pain starts to interrupt one’s ability to walk, sit, or get a good night’s sleep, it is time to consult with a Health Care Professional for a more thorough evaluation for any problems in the joints or muscles.

What is considered Hip Pain?

Hip Pain is discomfort felt in or around the Hip Joint (Where the Thigh Bone Meets the Pelvis). Hip Pain can be described as Dull, Sharp or as Stiffness and can impact the way you complete your daily activities such as walking, bending, etc. After sitting for a long period of time.

Can Bursitis Cause Hip Pain?

The Most Common Causes of Hip Pain Include:

• – Osteoarthritis – wear of cartilage causing stiffness and slow build up of pain in the hip joint
• – Bursitis – inflammation of the bursae causing sensitivity of the outer part of the hip
• – Muscle strains – stretching too far due to a sudden move or overworking your muscles
• – Tear of the labrum – damage to cartilage causing the hip to ‘pop or click’ and instability of that hip
• – Tendinitis – inflammation caused by constant stress or long periods of sitting
• – Hip fracture – injury to the bone causing severe pain and being unable to move
• – Referred pain – pain that comes from the nerves or spine but is felt in the hip

Does Arthritis Cause Hip Pain ?

Yes, arthritis is one of the leading causes of hip pain and is especially prevalent in adults aged 50 years and older. Arthritis occurs as a result of the breakdown of protective cartilage and its loss of protection against the bones, resulting in bone to bone friction at the joint. Patients commonly experience pain in the hip after being inactive for an extended period of time or while rising from a sitting position.

In many cases, early cases of arthritis may be managed by the use of physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, or medication. In advanced stages, a joint replacement may be indicated if the pain occurs on a daily basis and interferes with your life.

Can Bursitis Cause Hip Pain?

Bursitis is characterized by inflammation occurring in small, fluid-filled pouches located around the joint of the hip. The resulting pain will be felt on the outside of your hip, but may get worse when lying on that side, going for a walk or going upstairs. In particular, these cases can be seen in people who either sit for long periods of time or repeatedly perform similar activities.

Typically, early treatment of a hip bursitis includes the use of rest, ice and physiotherapy, which work together to reduce inflammation and return the patient to normal functioning.

Can Strains in the Muscles of the Hip Cause Hip Pain?

Yes, strains in the hip muscles are one of the most common reasons for hip pain that occur in active people and athletes. A strain in a muscle or tendon can be caused by overstretching through sudden movements or the actions of playing a sport.

Does a labral tear cause pain in the hip joint?

Yes, a labral tear can be associated with pain as well as clicking, locking, and a sensation of instability in the hip joint. The labrum provides stability for the hip joint; therefore, if the labrum becomes damaged, it can impact the ability of the hip joint to move smoothly.

This type of injury is common among athletes or individuals whose hip joints have repetitive motion patterns. Proper imaging will be used as an aid in identifying whether physiotherapy and/or surgical intervention is appropriate based on the findings.

Can tendinitis cause a person to have pain in their hip joint?

Yes, tendinitis, or inflammation of the tendons surrounding the hip joint, can cause a person to experience hip joint pain. Tendinitis can occur as a result of repetitive stress, prolonged periods of time sitting, or overuse.

Typically, a person will complain of pain in the front or lateral aspect of the hip joint that gets worse with use. Early treatment (e.g., rest, stretching, physiotherapy, etc.) should help avoid any further deterioration of symptoms.

Does a hip fracture cause a person to have pain in the hip joint?

Yes, a hip fracture will typically produce sudden and severe pain, usually following a fall or traumatic event. Hip fractures occur more frequently in individuals over the age of 70, as their bones are more susceptible to injury than those of younger individuals.

An individual who sustains a hip fracture will usually be unable to stand on or support their weight with the affected limb. This is considered to be a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Treatment may consist of a surgical procedure in addition to rehabilitation.

Can Hip Pain Come from the Lower Back?

A person may experience hip pain from their back region, particularly if the lower spine is compressed or if they have an underlying spinal condition; this is called referred pain because even though it feels like a hip problem, it originates in the back. Referred pain can also cause tingling/numbness and/or discomfort in the back.

To correctly identify whether it is really a back or hip problem is crucial to successful treatment since treatment for back-related issues differs from the hip joint.

Hip Pain vs Muscle Pain – How to Tell the Difference

When To Seek Medical Treatment for Hip Pain?

If you feel any of these, you should contact an orthopedic physician: 

• Persistent pain in the hip for over 3 weeks without improvement
• Nighttime pain that causes you to wake up from sleep on a regular basis
• You have had difficulty walking or climbing stairs
• You have experienced a sudden injury with swelling or severe pain
• You experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs
• You are unable to bear weight after a fall

Detecting an issue involving the hip early may help avoid long-term damage to the joint and limit the need for surgery.

Expert Opinion

According to Dr Abhinandan Punit an Orthopaedic and Robotic Joint Replacement Surgeon from Bangalore

“Many people delay treatment because they believe that their hip pain will go away eventually. By obtaining a diagnosis in the early stages, the treatment plan tends to be simpler and patient recovery can frequently occur faster and without surgery”.

Dr. Abhinandan has 15+ years of experience and has performed over 6000 surgeries. He is an expert in the area of robotic joint replacements and sports-related injuries. He provides consultations at Elite Orthocare, Kanakapura Road and Narayana Clinic, Electronic City in Bangalore

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Regarding Hip Pain

Why does hip pain tend to worsen at night?

Hip pain can become worse at night due to lack of movement when lying down as well as increased pressure on the hip joint. Conditions such as Bursitis or Arthritis can often be more noticeable when still or laying on the side of the affected area. In addition, the lack of movement can also change blood flow to an area and lead to an increase in pain due to inflammation.

Will my hip pain go away without treatment?

Mild hip pain, such as that caused by a muscle strain or overusing your hip, will usually improve if you rest and that basic care is followed. However, the hip pain may be caused by Arthritis, tendon injury or structural damage; as such, a medical professional needs to evaluate the source of your pain if it continues. If you continue to ignore your pain, you will most likely worsen your condition!

Does hip pain always mean you have arthritis?

Hip pain can be caused by many things other than arthritis. Strain on the muscles, bursitis, labral tears, and nerve-related issues can also lead to hip pain. Many younger people suffer from hip pain but do not have any damage to their hips, making it important to get an accurate diagnosis.

Can extended periods of sitting lead to hip pain?

Yes, sitting for extended periods can create tightness in the hip muscles and restrict blood flow to the hip region, resulting in stiffness and discomfort. Poor posture contributes to the increased stress placed on the hip joint and will typically be an issue for those who work at a desk.

Can hip pain affect my knees?

Yes, because of the anatomical connection between the hip joint and knee joint, issues with the hip can lead to knee problems. When the hip does not move correctly, the way the person walks will be altered, putting excess pressure on the knee joint and causing secondary pain.

When is surgery necessary for hip pain?

If the pain is serious enough to require surgery, all non-surgical options must be exhausted first. If the severity of the condition affects daily life to the point that surgical intervention is needed, then surgery may be required. The most common reasons for surgery for hip pain are avascular necrosis, ruptured labrum/acetabulum, significant arthritis or fracture.

Final Thoughts

Hip discomfort can be caused by many different issues, from minor muscle injury to major wear on an impacted joint. The sooner a diagnosis of what is causing your symptoms can occur, hopefully, the better the chances of a successful solution to your pain. Consult with an orthopedist for a proper diagnosis and a helpful treatment plan if symptoms continue or keep you from performing normal activities.