If hip pain is interfering with your daily activities, you are not alone. The hip joint is one of the most important weight-bearing structures in the body, and issues affecting it can limit range of motion and impact your quality of life.
Our board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating hip pain with personalized, state-of-the-art care. Whether you are dealing with hip arthritis, labral tears, or hip impingement, we offer conservative treatments and advanced surgical options like hip arthroscopy and complete hip replacement to help you regain mobility and function.
With in-office X-rays and same-day or next-day appointment availability, expert care is within reach.
We offer hip pain treatment at our orthopedic and sports medicine clinic in Burlingame, CA. For inquiries, call (650) 692-1475 or request an appointment online.
Understanding Hip Anatomy
The hip joint is one of the most important weight-bearing joints in the body, allowing for essential range of motion and stability.
It consists of three main bones:
- Femur (thigh bone): The femoral head fits into the hip socket, forming the ball-and-socket structure.
- Pelvis: Houses the hip socket, which provides stability and movement.
- Acetabulum: The cup-shaped cavity of the pelvis where the femoral head rests.
These bones are supported by soft tissues, including cartilage, ligaments, and the labrum, which helps cushion the joint and maintain stability.
Proper blood supply is essential to keep the hip joint healthy, and conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or hip fractures can impair circulation, leading to joint pain and stiffness.
Common Causes of Hip Pain
Hip pain can develop due to injury, wear and tear, or underlying medical conditions. Common causes include:
Injuries
- Hip fracture: A break in the hip bone, often caused by trauma or weakened bones, severely impairing mobility.
- Labral tears: Damage to the soft tissue surrounding the hip socket, causing pain, clicking sensations, and limited movement.
- Hip dislocation: Occurs when the femoral head is forced out of the hip socket, leading to severe pain and instability.
- Muscle strains & tendon injuries: Overuse or sudden movement can cause soft tissue injuries that restrict range of motion.
Degenerative Conditions
- Hip arthritis: Osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis cause cartilage breakdown, leading to stiffness and joint pain.
- Avascular necrosis: A condition where loss of blood supply to the femoral head leads to bone death and joint collapse.
- Hip impingement: Abnormal bone growth at the hip joint limits movement and causes intense pain.
Other Causes
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa sacs that cushion the joint, leading to pain and swelling.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of tendons due to repetitive movement or overuse, resulting in discomfort during physical activity.
- Overuse injuries: Repetitive motion or physical activity, such as running or cycling, can cause inflammation and temporary pain relief with rest.
When to See an Orthopedic Specialist
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s time to seek professional care:
- Persistent hip pain despite rest and home treatments.
- Swelling, redness, or warmth around the hip joint.
- Stiffness or difficulty fully extending or rotating the hip.
- Clicking, popping, or locking sensations in the hip.
- Hip instability or feeling like the joint might “give out.”
How We Diagnose Hip Pain
At Burlingame Orthopedics, we use a comprehensive approach to diagnosing hip pain, ensuring accurate treatment:
- Physical examination: Assessing movement, stability, and swelling.
- In-office X-Rays: Immediate imaging to check for fractures and joint damage.
- Advanced imaging (MRI, CT Scan): When needed, we use advanced imaging to evaluate soft tissue injuries.
Non-Surgical & Conservative Hip Pain Treatments
Many patients find pain relief through non-surgical treatments before considering hip surgery. Our approach includes:
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can help restore range of motion and strengthen supporting muscles.
- Anti-inflammatory medication: NSAIDs help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Over-the-Counter pain relievers: OTC medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen may provide temporary pain relief.
- PRP & biologics: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and other biologic treatments use the body’s natural healing properties to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation. These regenerative therapies can be particularly beneficial for soft tissue injuries, labral tears, and hip arthritis.
- Corticosteroid injections: Targeted injections can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation in the joint.
- Viscosupplementation: Hyaluronic acid injections may help lubricate the joint and reduce discomfort in patients with arthritis.
- Lifestyle modifications: Weight management, ergonomic adjustments, and activity modification can alleviate strain on the hip joint.
- Assistive devices: The use of walking aids, braces, or orthotics can reduce pressure on the affected area and improve mobility.
Surgical Treatments For Hip Pain
For patients with persistent hip pain that do not respond to conservative treatments, we offer surgical solutions:
Hip Arthroscopy
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat various hip joint conditions.
Through small incisions, a surgeon inserts a camera and specialized instruments to repair labral tears, remove bone spurs, and address hip impingement.
This technique allows for a quicker recovery, reduced postoperative pain, and a lower risk of complications compared to traditional open surgery.
Hip arthroscopy is particularly beneficial for active individuals looking to restore range of motion and return to normal activities without undergoing a full hip replacement surgery.
Hip Replacement Surgery (covered in detail on a separate page)
In cases of severe hip arthritis or irreversible damage, a hip replacement restores function by replacing the damaged hip bone with an artificial joint.
For more information about hip replacement surgery, refer to the Hip Replacement Surgery service page.
Comparison Table: Conservative vs. Surgical Hip Pain Treatment
| Treatment Option | Benefits | Best For |
| Physical Therapy | Improves mobility, strengthens muscles | Mild to moderate joint pain |
| Anti-Inflammatory Medication | Reduces swelling and discomfort | Short-term pain relief |
| Corticosteroid Injections | Provides temporary relief by reducing inflammation | Hip arthritis, bursitis |
| Viscosupplementation | Lubricates the joint, may reduce discomfort | Osteoarthritis |
| PRP & Biologic Treatments | Uses the body’s natural healing properties to repair tissue | Labral tears, hip arthritis |
| Assistive Devices | Reduces strain on the hip joint, improves mobility | Patients needing extra support |
| Lifestyle Modifications | Helps alleviate joint strain through weight management and activity adjustments | Preventing or managing hip pain |
| Hip Arthroscopy | Minimally invasive, faster recovery | Labral tears, hip impingement |
| Hip Replacement Surgery | Long-term solution, restores mobility | Severe hip arthritis, fractures |
Did You Know?
The hip joint can withstand forces up to five times your body weight during activities like walking and running. It’s also one of the few joints in the human body that allows for a full 360-degree range of motion, making it essential for balance, stability, and mobility.
Why Choose Burlingame Orthopedics?
- Expert Team: Fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists with decades of experience.
- Comprehensive Care: Non-surgical and surgical options to suit your needs.
- Convenient Access: Same-day and next-day appointments available.
- On-Site Imaging: Immediate X-rays for fast diagnosis and treatment planning.
At Burlingame Orthopedics, you will receive care from a team of highly skilled, board-certified orthopedic surgeons dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Our providers include:
Our team works collaboratively to ensure every patient receives the highest standard of care, whether through non-surgical treatments or advanced surgical options.
Schedule Your Appointment
Don’t let hip pain limit your life. Contact Burlingame Orthopedics today to schedule an evaluation with one of our expert orthopedic surgeons.
To book an appointment at our orthopedic and sports medicine clinic in Burlingame, CA, call (650) 692-1475 or request an appointment online.
Conveniently Located for Easy Access
- Across the street from Mills Peninsula Hospital
- Private parking lot for hassle-free visits
- Easily accessible by Caltrain and local bus routes
FAQs About Hip Pain
What not to do with hip pain?
Avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping, prolonged sitting, and sudden twisting movements that can worsen hip pain. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations for movement and exercise.
What is the best pain relief for hip pain?
Pain relief varies by individual, but common treatments include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and PRP therapy. Your doctor can recommend the best option based on your condition.
How do I get instant relief from hip pain?
Apply an ice pack to the area for 10-15 minutes at a time. A warm bath or heating pad can also relieve hip pain. Use over-the-counter pain relievers, rest the joint, and perform gentle stretches. If pain persists, seek medical evaluation.
Should I push through hip pain?
No, pushing through hip pain can lead to further injury. Listen to your body—if movement causes intense pain, stop and seek medical advice to avoid worsening the condition.
