Hip pain is a common problem, especially when participating in an athletic activity. Hip pain can originate from structures that are within or outside the hip joint.  It is not always felt directly over the hip, but you may feel it in the middle of your thigh or in your groin.  The management of hip injuries has progressed with the advancement of diagnostic tools, techniques, understanding of the wide variety of hip conditions, and the advancement of treatment.

 Hip injuries can be divided into three categories:  intra-articular, extra-articular, or central pubic pain associated with core muscle injuries.  Arthritis, labral tears, femoro-acetabular impingement, trochanteric bursitis, tendonitis, osteoarthritis, and sprains/strains are the most frequent causes of hip pain.  It is common to have both a core muscle injury and a hip problem.

 

Over the past number of years, in conjunction with prominent hip surgeons in the country, the team at Vincera Core Physicians has discovered that athletic pubalgia and many hip disorders often occur together. Therefore, the precise diagnosis that relates to the pain problem may not be apparent and important judgments need to be made with respect to which injury to treat first. 

 

Diagnostic imaging, such as MR arthrography with sensorcaine, and thorough history and physical examination will be necessary to determine diagnosis and recommendations for treatment.  Treatment will depend on the cause of the problem. Non-operative therapy may consist of rest, physical therapy, steroid and PRP injections.  Surgical treatment may be an option and may consist of hip arthroscopy, etc. If you are unsure of the cause of your symptoms or do not know the specific treatment recommendation, you should seek medical attention.