Hip Pain
Hip pain treatment in Thane. Where you feel the pain, in the groin, on the side of the hip or in the buttock, is the best clue to what is causing it and how it is treated.
What Is Causing My Hip Pain?
Hip pain can come from the hip joint itself, from the muscles and tendons around it, or from the lower back. It can make walking, putting on socks, getting in and out of a car, sitting on the floor and sleeping on your side difficult. Like any long-term pain, it can slowly change how you live: fewer walks, avoiding stairs, skipping travel.
The good news is that once the cause is clear, most hip pain can be eased, and many people never need an operation.
Where Does It Hurt?
Pain in the Groin
Pain deep in the groin, sometimes spreading to the thigh or knee, usually comes from the hip joint itself. Common causes are:
- Osteoarthritis: gradual wear of the joint cartilage, mostly in older adults.
- Avascular necrosis (AVN): part of the ball of the hip loses its blood supply and collapses. In India this often affects younger adults and is linked to long-term steroid use and heavy alcohol use.
- Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
Pain on the Side of the Hip
Pain over the bony point on the outer side of the hip, worse when lying on that side, climbing stairs or after walking, usually comes from the tendons and bursa there (greater trochanteric pain). It is common in women over 40 and usually improves with exercises.
Pain in the Buttock
Pain in the buttock or down the back of the thigh often comes from the lower back rather than the hip joint, especially if there is also back pain or tingling in the leg.
Which of These Sounds Like You?
- “My groin aches, my hip is stiff in the morning, and it has been getting slowly worse.”Arthritis
- “Hip pain limits my walking and sleep, and medicines and physiotherapy no longer help.”Total Hip Replacement
- “My elderly parent fell, cannot stand, and the leg looks shorter and turned out.”Hemi Hip Replacement
- “I fell on my hip and it is very painful to walk.”Fracture & Trauma Care
How Hip Pain Is Diagnosed
Dr. Gadkari asks where exactly the pain is felt and what brings it on, and examines how the hip moves and how you walk. He also checks the lower back. X-rays show arthritis and changes in the shape of the joint. An MRI scan helps find early avascular necrosis, tendon problems and some injuries.
Treatment Options
Step 1 of 5
Activity and Self-Care
Pacing activities, avoiding very low seats and long periods on the floor, and a walking stick in the opposite hand when the hip is painful.
Step 2 of 5
Exercise and Physiotherapy
Strengthening the muscles around the hip and keeping it moving. This is the main treatment for side-of-hip pain and early arthritis.
Step 3 of 5
Weight and Medicines
Gradual weight loss eases the load on the hip; painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines help during flare-ups.
Step 4 of 5
Injections
Sometimes used for side-of-hip pain, or to calm a painful hip joint.
Step 5 of 5
Hip Replacement
For advanced arthritis or avascular necrosis that no longer responds to other treatment.
Read about hip replacement
Dr. Gadkari explains whether your pain is coming from the joint, the tissues around it or your back, because the treatment is different for each. He starts with exercise and simple measures, and recommends a hip replacement only when it will clearly improve your daily life.
Understand Your Diagnosis
He goes through your X-rays and scans with you, so you know exactly what is wrong and why.
Try Non-Surgical Care
Medicines, physiotherapy, weight and activity changes come first, for as long as they help.
Operate When It Helps
Surgery is advised only when it will clearly improve your pain and daily life.
Living With a Painful Hip
- Choose chairs with arms, at a height where your hips are higher than your knees.
- Use a raised toilet seat and a long-handled shoe horn if bending is difficult.
- Keep moving with walking, swimming or cycling on a stationary bike.
- Sleep with a pillow between your knees if lying on your side hurts.
- Remove loose rugs and add night lights to reduce the risk of falls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hip pain come from my back?
Yes. Pain in the buttock or down the back of the thigh often starts in the lower back rather than the hip joint. True hip joint pain is usually felt in the groin. An examination helps tell them apart.
What is avascular necrosis of the hip?
Avascular necrosis (AVN) means that part of the ball of the hip loses its blood supply and slowly collapses. It is linked to long-term steroid use, heavy alcohol use and some injuries, and it often affects younger adults. Early AVN can sometimes be treated without replacement; advanced AVN usually needs a total hip replacement.
Should I exercise if I have arthritis?
Yes. Regular, gentle exercise strengthens the muscles around the joint, eases stiffness and helps control weight. Walking, cycling, swimming and specific physiotherapy exercises are good choices. Pain that lasts more than an hour or two after exercise means you should do a little less.
Do I need surgery?
Not necessarily. Many joint and bone problems improve with medicines, physiotherapy, a brace or an injection. Dr. Gadkari starts with the simplest treatment that will work, and recommends surgery only when it will clearly improve your pain and daily life.
Book a Consultation
Talk to Dr. Gadkari about hip pain. Message the clinic on WhatsApp or call, and they will find a time and place that suits you.
Pending Medical Review: Dr. Gadkari has not yet approved this page.