Chronic hip pain significantly affects quality of life and is a common issue experienced by many, whether due to aging, sports injuries, or poor sitting and movement habits. It’s important to distinguish between acute pain that appears suddenly and disappears within days, and chronic pain that lasts for more than three months and affects sleep or mobility.

In this article, we’ll explore the most important medical treatments for hip pain, from conservative methods to advanced medical interventions, highlighting what suits each case best.

Causes of Hip Pain: Understanding the Source

To determine the right treatment, it’s essential to understand the cause. Hip pain can be due to:

Arthritis: the most common cause, especially with aging.
Muscle or tendon tears in the hip: especially in athletes or those with high physical activity.
Lower back problems: like sciatic nerve compression or spinal stenosis.
Joint wear and tear: caused by overuse or improper use.
Muscular or mechanical disorders: like pelvic tilt or weak supporting muscles.

Conservative Treatments

These are the first line of defense for mild to moderate cases and are often used when pain first appears.

1. Physical Therapy

A cornerstone of chronic hip pain treatment, focusing on strengthening the muscles supporting the joint, reducing stiffness, and improving mobility. A good program includes:

Stretching and flexibility exercises.
Core strengthening and balance training.
Heat therapy or ultrasound sessions for muscle relief.

2. Weight Loss

Every extra kilogram increases stress on the hip joint. Losing excess weight can relieve pain and delay the need for further intervention.

3. Lifestyle Adjustments

Modifying daily habits can both treat and prevent chronic hip pain. You should:

Avoid sitting on low chairs.
Elevate your feet during long sitting periods.
Avoid movements that twist the hip or involve improper lifting of heavy weights.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

These treatments fall between conservative therapy and surgery. They are among the latest medical treatments for hip pain, targeting the source directly, especially when physical therapy and medications aren’t enough. These procedures:

Don’t require open surgery.
Are done under local anesthesia.
Have a relatively fast recovery.

1. Cortisone Injections

What is it?

An anti-inflammatory injection administered directly into the hip joint or surrounding tissues.

When is it used?

Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Trochanteric bursitis.
Pain due to chronic joint friction.

Benefits:

Fast and effective pain relief.
Reduces inflammation and improves mobility.

2. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

What is it?

A procedure that involves drawing the patient’s blood, concentrating the platelets, and injecting them into the hip to stimulate healing.

When is it used?

Early stages of joint inflammation.
Tendon and soft tissue injuries.
Athletes with chronic injuries without structural damage.

Benefits:

Safe as it uses the patient’s own blood.
Promotes tissue regeneration and improves joint flexibility long-term.

3. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

What is it?

A needle targets sensory nerves transmitting pain from the hip. Heat waves are used to temporarily disable them.

When is it used?

When medications and injections fail.
Patients who aren’t candidates for surgery.
After hip replacement, if unexplained pain persists.

Benefits:

Long-lasting pain relief (months to a year or more).
Safe, non-surgical procedure.
Does not affect joint mobility.

4. Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

What is it?

Implanting a small device that sends electrical signals to the spinal cord, disrupting pain signals before they reach the brain.

When is it used?

Chronic, complex cases (e.g., post-surgical pain syndrome).
Long-term nerve pain unresponsive to other treatments.

Procedure steps:

Trial phase: temporary device use for 5–7 days.
Permanent implantation: if pain relief exceeds 50%.

Benefits:

Notable quality-of-life improvement.
Reduces need for strong medication or surgery.

Is Surgery Always the Last Option?

Although not the first resort, surgery remains one of the most effective treatments and may be the best option when:

The joint is completely worn out.
Movement is severely restricted, or painkillers are used constantly.
All conservative and interventional treatments have failed.

Hip replacement has become a relatively safe procedure, offering excellent results in restoring movement and reducing pain, especially with modern technologies like robot-assisted surgery.

Daily Tips to Support Hip Health

Exercise regularly without overexertion.
Use a pillow between your knees if sleeping on your side.
Stay hydrated to maintain joint lubrication.
Eat anti-inflammatory foods rich in calcium.
Avoid unsupportive or high-heeled shoes.
Apply appropriate compresses (cold for inflammation, warm for stiffness).
Don’t ignore persistent pain—consult a specialist early.

Hip pain is not something to endure in silence. Thanks to modern medicine, there are now a variety of treatments for every stage and every age group. The key lies in proper diagnosis, regular follow-up, and selecting the right treatment at the right time.

If your pain persists or starts affecting your sleep and movement, don’t wait. Take the first step: consult a specialist and begin a progressive treatment plan—from exercises to advanced procedures like RFA or surgical replacement.