Hip pain affects much more than your ability to exercise. It often makes walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of a car, or even sleeping uncomfortable. Because hip pain can come from the joint itself or the muscles, tendons, and other tissues around it, getting the right diagnosis is an important first step to addressing the pain. Understanding the common causes of chronic hip pain helps you know when it may be time to see a specialist or hip surgeon. 

Hip Arthritis and Joint Degeneration 

One of the most frequent conditions evaluated by a hip surgeon is osteoarthritis. Often called “wear-and-tear” arthritis, osteoarthritis develops as the cartilage that cushions the hip joint gradually breaks down. This leads to stiffness, reduced range of motion, and pain, and even a “grating” sensation during activities. Age is a common risk factor for hip arthritis, but previous injuries and other health conditions may also contribute to joint degeneration.  

Hip arthritis does not necessarily mean surgery is needed. Depending on the severity of symptoms, treatment may include activity modifications, physical therapy, medications, injections, or other nonsurgical approaches.  

When joint damage significantly affects daily life, joint replacement may become the best option. Seeing a hip surgeon can help you determine if you are a candidate for surgery. 

Sports and Overuse Hip Injuries 

Not every patient who sees a hip surgeon has arthritis. Active adults and athletes can develop hip injuries from sports, exercise, physically demanding work, or repetitive movements. Muscle strains involving the hip flexors, groin, or other surrounding muscles can occur from an acute hip injury or chronic overuse. 

Other problems may involve tendons, bursae, or structures within the hip joint. Bursitis and tendinitis cause pain around the outside of the hip, while a labral tear affects the cartilage surrounding the hip socket. Hip impingement, in which the bones of the joint make abnormal contact during movement, can also cause persistent discomfort and limit activity. 

These are among the conditions treated by a hip surgeon, although many can initially be managed without surgery. 

Understanding Common Causes of Chronic Hip Pain 

The location and pattern of pain can provide useful clues. Pain in the groin or inside of the hip is more likely to involve the hip joint, while pain along the outside of the hip or upper thigh may be associated with surrounding soft tissues. Hip pain can also stem from another part of the body, like the lower back. 

Determining the common causes of chronic hip pain requires more than simply identifying where it hurts. During an orthopedic evaluation, your provider or hip surgeon may discuss your symptoms and activity level, perform a physical examination, assess your range of motion, and use imaging when appropriate. 

At St. Cloud Orthopedics, our hip surgeons evaluate a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and work together when patients need expertise from more than one specialty. Our hip and joint replacement specialists, including board-certified orthopedic surgeons with advanced training in hip replacement, help patients understand their options and develop a treatment plan based on their individual goals. 

When Should You See a Specialist? 

Persistent pain, worsening stiffness, difficulty walking, or pain that continues despite rest and other conservative measures warrant an orthopedic evaluation. Sudden or severe pain following a hip injury should also be evaluated, particularly if you cannot bear weight or your hip appears deformed. 

Whether your symptoms are related to hip arthritis, an overuse problem, or another condition, an accurate diagnosis helps you understand what comes next. Not all hip injuries require surgery; treatment often begins with conservative approaches like physical therapy.  

Comprehensive Care for Hip Injuries and Arthritis, Close to Home 

At St. Cloud Orthopedics, we have provided independent orthopedic specialty care in Central Minnesota since 1955. We bring specialists, hip surgeons, and rehabilitation professionals together under one roof, making it easier to coordinate care from evaluation through recovery. 

If an old hip injury or new hip pain is keeping you from the activities you enjoy, you don’t have to live with it. Let our team help you identify the cause of your symptoms, explain your treatment options, and create a plan focused on getting you moving again. From nonsurgical treatment and physical therapy to advanced joint replacement when appropriate, we are here to provide independent orthopedic care you can trust.  

Contact us to schedule an appointment and get back to moving with confidence.