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Hip Pain Treatment in Creve Coeur & Cape Girardeau, MO

Hip pain can make it difficult to walk, exercise and enjoy everyday activities. The hip orthopedic doctors at OrthoMO provide comprehensive care to diagnose the cause of hip pain and develop a personalized treatment plan. From conservative hip pain treatment to orthopedic hip surgery, OrthoMO offers compassionate, patient-focused care in Creve Coeur and Cape Girardeau, MO to help patients move comfortably and return to the activities they enjoy.

 

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What Causes Hip Pain?

Hip pain can involve any pain in or around the hip joint. However, the source of pain is not always directly over the hip. Some people may feel orthopedic hip pain in the groin, thigh or knee instead. Hip pain may result from problems affecting the bones, cartilage, muscles or other tissues around the hip.

Common causes of hip pain include:

  • Hip fractures
    A hip fracture can cause sudden, severe pain and may lead to serious complications. Fractures are more common in older adults because their bones may be weaker.
  • Arthritis
    Hip arthritis may cause pain, often in the front of the thigh or groin. Osteoarthritis hip treatment may be appropriate when arthritis is responsible for symptoms.
  • Labral tears
    A tear in the hip labrum can cause pain in or around the hip joint. Hip tear treatment depends on the underlying problem.
  • Femoral acetabular impingement
    Abnormal growth around the hip can cause pain with movement and exercise and may be a precursor to hip arthritis.
  • Bursitis
    Hip bursitis may cause pain when getting up from a chair, walking, climbing stairs or driving.
  • Muscle strains
    Hamstring strains, hip flexor strains and groin strains can cause pain around the hip.
  • Other conditions
    Hip pain may also result from osteonecrosis caused by loss of blood supply to the bone, infections in the bones or joints, iliotibial band syndrome, hip impingement syndrome or snapping hip syndrome.
  • Referred pain
    A problem in the back can cause pain that feels like it is coming from the hip.

Because different conditions can cause similar symptoms, identifying the source of pain is an important part of hip pain treatment. OrthoMO provides orthopedic care to evaluate hip conditions and help patients determine an appropriate treatment approach.

What Does Hip Pain Feel Like?

Hip pain can feel different depending on its cause and location. Pain may not be felt directly over the hip and can instead occur in the groin, thigh or knee. Pain from the hip joint itself is often felt most strongly in the groin. Some conditions may cause pain with movement or exercise, while bursitis may cause pain when getting up from a chair, walking, climbing stairs or driving.

What Doctor To See For Hip Pain?

An orthopedic surgeon can evaluate musculoskeletal conditions affecting the hip, including injuries and diseases involving bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles. It may be appropriate to see an orthopedic doctor for persistent pain lasting more than three months, limited movement, difficulty standing or walking, symptoms affecting daily activities or an acute injury that does not improve with simple measures.

How To Treat Hip Pain?

Simple hip pain treatment depends on the symptoms and underlying cause. For mild hip pain, certain home care measures may help reduce discomfort and support daily movement. Patients should consider:

  • Avoiding activities that make the pain worse.
  • Taking over-the-counter pain medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
  • Sleeping on the nonpainful side with a pillow between the legs.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight and asking a healthcare provider for guidance if needed.
  • Avoiding prolonged standing and using a soft, cushioned surface when standing.
  • Wearing comfortable, cushioned, flat shoes.
  • Warming up before exercise and cooling down afterward.
  • Stretching the quadriceps and hamstrings.
  • Choosing lower-impact activities, such as swimming, instead of running or biking.
  • Running on smooth, soft surfaces and wearing well-fitting, cushioned running shoes.
  • Reducing the amount of exercise when needed.
  • Using orthotics or arch supports if flat feet contribute to discomfort.

Patients should consult a healthcare provider before exercising the hip if they have arthritis or have injured the hip. Medical attention is recommended if pain continues after a week of home treatment or is accompanied by fever, rash, limping or difficulty with stairs and gait.

Seek emergency care for acute hip pain after a serious fall or injury, a deformed or badly bruised leg, bleeding, inability to move the hip or inability to bear weight or worsening pain with difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement.

How Long Does Hip Pain Last?

New hip pain or a flare-up of a long-standing hip problem may begin to settle within 6 weeks without needing to see a healthcare professional. Hip problems can cause pain, stiffness and weakness. However, people diagnosed with a hip condition or recovering from recent hip surgery should follow their healthcare professional’s advice rather than relying on general recovery timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Pain Treatment

OrthoMO provides hip pain treatment at its locations in Creve Coeur and Cape Girardeau, MO. Both offices offer convenient access to experienced orthopedic physicians, while the Creve Coeur location also provides on-site imaging, therapy services and medical equipment to support diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

Hip pain diagnosis may include a physical exam of the hips, thighs and back, along with an evaluation of how you walk. Your provider may ask about your pain, when it started, what worsens it, your ability to walk and other medical conditions or medications. X-rays or an MRI may also be needed.

Hip replacement surgery may be recommended when damage from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis, injuries or fractures causes ongoing joint pain that limits activities despite other treatments. Before surgery, a doctor may recommend pain medications, physical therapy, exercise, activity changes or assistive devices. The appropriate treatment depends on the patient’s health history and surgical risks.

OrthoMO provides care for a range of hip conditions, including hip instability, hip labral tears, iliopsoas tendonitis and osteoarthritis of the hip. Our orthopedic physicians evaluate hip problems and develop personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s condition, including conservative care and, when appropriate, advanced orthopedic procedures.

OrthoMO offers personalized hip pain treatment based on the underlying condition and each patient’s needs. Treatment may include conservative care, hip arthroscopy, hip preservation surgery and minimally invasive joint replacement. OrthoMO treats conditions including hip instability, labral tears, iliopsoas tendonitis and osteoarthritis, with a focus on helping patients return to a more active lifestyle.

Find Relief for Hip Pain in Creve Coeur & Cape Girardeau, MO 

If hip pain is limiting your daily activities, OrthoMO provides comprehensive hip care focused on accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment and compassionate support. Patients in Creve Coeur and Cape Girardeau have access to experienced orthopedic physicians and services designed to address hip conditions, from conservative therapies to advanced procedures, helping patients move comfortably and return to the activities they enjoy.

Hip Physicians

Kevin J. McCarthy, MD

Lower extremity

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Husam T. Nawas, MD, FAAOS

Hip, shoulder, knee

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