Are you dealing with hip pain? Your first thought might be that you’re developing arthritis or that you’re simply getting older, but in many cases, the source of hip pain isn’t so obvious, and it may not originate in your hip joint at all.
At Manhattan Orthopedics, our specialists help people uncover the hidden problems behind their joint pain, so we can offer targeted treatment to restore comfortable movement and a better quality of life. Here are a few common (but sometimes not so obvious) problems that can cause hip pain.
One of the most overlooked causes of hip pain is a problem in your spine. Conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and sciatica can compress nerves in your lower back and cause radiating pain into your hip and down your leg.
This kind of hip pain often feels sharp, burning, or tingling rather than deep and achy. It may come and go, and it might worsen with prolonged sitting or certain movements.
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that cushions your hip socket and helps keep the joint stable. Labrum tears are a common injury, and they can develop due to repetitive motion, structural abnormalities, or trauma.
A labral tear can cause hip pain that’s sharp or clicking, especially when you make twisting or pivoting movements. Because labral injuries don’t always show up on standard X-rays, they’re frequently misdiagnosed or missed without advanced imaging.
The SI joints, located where your spine meets your pelvis, are another hidden source of hip-area pain. Dysfunction in these joints can cause inflammation and discomfort on one side of your lower back or buttock, which can easily be mistaken for hip joint pain.
SI joint pain is more common in women, especially after pregnancy or during periods of hormonal change, like menopause.
Bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints, and it’s a common, but sometimes misidentified, cause of hip pain. That’s because bursitis in your hip often affects the greater trochanteric bursa, causing tenderness on the outer part of your thigh.
Similarly, tendinitis or tendon tears, particularly in your gluteal tendons, can cause pain that’s near your hip joint and mimics joint issues.
Sometimes, hip pain is referred from another part of your body altogether. Gynecological conditions, hernia, or even digestive disorders can cause discomfort that feels like it's coming from your hip. That's why a thorough medical history and physical exam are essential in identifying the true cause.
Our team at Manhattan Orthopedics specializes in identifying the full spectrum of conditions that can cause hip pain, not just the obvious ones. We use advanced diagnostics, including MRI and CT imaging, to uncover less common and harder-to-spot causes.
Once we pinpoint the cause of your pain, we develop a treatment plan to address it. From conservative treatments like physical therapy and injections to minimally invasive procedures and even hip replacement surgery, we personalize your care to ensure long-lasting relief.
Don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all approach to hip pain. If you’ve been living with discomfort without clear answers, let our experts help you uncover the root cause and get back to doing what you love with less pain. Call us at any of our offices in Astoria, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, New York, or request an appointment online now.
