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Hip pain can affect everyday activities such as walking, exercising, climbing stairs and even sleeping comfortably. It may develop gradually over time or appear more suddenly following an injury. Common causes can include wear and tear within the hip joint, arthritis, inflammation, sports-related injuries and other conditions affecting the surrounding muscles and tissues. Because pain can sometimes also be referred from the lower back or other areas, a proper assessment is important in identifying the underlying cause.
Dr Rael Salkinder is an orthopaedic surgeon in Cape Town with a special interest in hip and knee conditions. Treatment will depend on the cause and severity of the problem and may include conservative options such as activity modification, medication, physiotherapy or other non-surgical treatment. In cases where symptoms are more advanced or are significantly affecting mobility and quality of life, surgical options such as hip replacement may be considered. The aim is always to provide an appropriate treatment plan that helps reduce pain, restore movement and improve day-to-day function.
Hip pain can result from a number of different conditions, ranging from age-related wear and tear to injuries caused by sport or everyday activity. Common causes include osteoarthritis, inflammation within or around the hip joint, tendon or muscle injuries, bursitis, cartilage damage and previous trauma. In some cases, structural changes within the joint can also lead to ongoing discomfort, stiffness and reduced movement.The cause of hip pain is not always immediately obvious, which is why a proper orthopaedic assessment can be important when symptoms persist. Identifying the underlying problem helps determine whether treatment should focus on rest and rehabilitation, medication and physiotherapy, or whether further intervention may be required
Hip pain can be experienced in different areas depending on the cause. Pain originating from the hip joint itself is often felt in the groin or at the front of the hip, and may sometimes extend into the thigh or towards the knee. Other patients may experience discomfort on the outside of the hip, particularly when walking, climbing stairs or lying on the affected side.
Pain felt around the buttock or back of the hip may sometimes be related to surrounding muscles, tendons or even the lower back rather than the hip joint itself. The location of the pain, together with when it occurs and what movements aggravate it, can therefore provide useful information when assessing the underlying condition
Diagnosing hip pain usually begins with a detailed discussion about the symptoms, when they started, where the pain is felt and which movements or activities make it worse. A physical examination can then help assess the hip’s range of movement, strength, stability and areas of tenderness. Depending on the symptoms, further investigations such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI scans may be recommended to provide a clearer view of the joint, cartilage, bones and surrounding soft tissues.
An accurate diagnosis is important because hip pain can have a number of different causes, and treatment will depend on the underlying condition. Once the source of the pain has been identified, an appropriate treatment plan can be developed to help relieve symptoms, improve mobility and support a return to normal daily activities.
Hip replacement may be considered when significant damage to the hip joint is causing persistent pain, stiffness and reduced mobility, particularly when these symptoms begin to interfere with everyday activities and quality of life. It is commonly considered in patients with advanced arthritis or joint degeneration where conservative treatments such as medication, physiotherapy and activity modification are no longer providing sufficient relief.
The decision to proceed with hip replacement surgery is made after a careful assessment of the patient’s symptoms, overall health, level of joint damage and response to previous treatment. Where appropriate, hip replacement can help reduce pain and improve movement by replacing the damaged joint surfaces with an artificial joint designed to restore smoother, more comfortable function.
Diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key.
Dr Rael Salkinder offers various hip surgeries including hip replacement surgery/athroplasty.
Is hip surgery right for you?
