Educational Resource
Why Does My Hip Hurt?
Hip pain can affect mobility, exercise, sleep, work, and quality of life. Some symptoms develop gradually over time while others occur suddenly following injury or physical activity. This educational resource explains common causes of hip pain, evaluation pathways, and treatment options that may be discussed with qualified orthopedic specialists.
Educational content only. Not medical advice. Individual evaluation is required. Results vary.
Why hip pain occurs
Understanding Hip Pain
The hip is one of the largest weight-bearing joints in the body. Pain can originate from the hip joint itself, surrounding muscles and tendons, bursae, the lower back, or nearby structures. Because many conditions can produce similar symptoms, determining the underlying cause often requires a comprehensive evaluation.
Common causes
Common Causes Of Hip Pain
Hip Osteoarthritis
Gradual cartilage wear may lead to stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion.
Labral Tears
The labrum helps stabilize the hip and may become damaged through injury or repetitive stress.
Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)
Abnormal bone contact within the hip may contribute to pain and cartilage damage.
Hip Bursitis
Inflammation of the bursae may cause pain on the outside of the hip.
Tendon Disorders
Irritation or degeneration of surrounding tendons may contribute to symptoms.
Sports Injuries
Athletic activities may result in strains, tears, or joint injuries.
Hip Dysplasia
Abnormal hip development may contribute to instability and degeneration.
Referred Pain
Pain originating from the spine or sacroiliac joint may mimic hip problems.
Evaluation
What Evaluation May Include
Medical History Review
Physical Examination
Standing X-Rays
MRI Evaluation
CT Scan (Selected Patients)
Diagnostic Injections
Gait Assessment
Review Of Prior Imaging
Testing recommendations vary based on symptoms and clinical findings. Not every patient requires every study.
Treatment pathways
Possible Treatment Pathways
Treatment depends upon the underlying cause identified during evaluation. Many patients improve without surgery.
Activity Modification
Physical Therapy
Weight Management
Medication Optimization
Joint Injections
Biologic Therapies
Hip Arthroscopy
Hip Replacement Surgery
Treatment recommendations should be individualized. Results vary.
When to seek evaluation
When Should Hip Pain Be Evaluated?
- Pain lasting several weeks or longer
- Difficulty walking
- Pain affecting sleep
- Loss of mobility
- Pain during exercise
- Persistent groin pain
- History of hip injury
- Progressive symptoms
Frequently Asked Questions
Educational answers only. Individual evaluation is required. Results vary.
Why does my hip hurt when walking?
This is educational information only. Treatment depends on diagnosis. Individual evaluation by a qualified orthopedic specialist is required. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.
Can hip arthritis cause groin pain?
This is educational information only. Treatment depends on diagnosis. Individual evaluation by a qualified orthopedic specialist is required. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.
What is a labral tear?
This is educational information only. Treatment depends on diagnosis. Individual evaluation by a qualified orthopedic specialist is required. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.
What is hip impingement?
This is educational information only. Treatment depends on diagnosis. Individual evaluation by a qualified orthopedic specialist is required. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.
Do I need an MRI?
This is educational information only. Treatment depends on diagnosis. Individual evaluation by a qualified orthopedic specialist is required. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.
Can hip pain improve without surgery?
This is educational information only. Treatment depends on diagnosis. Individual evaluation by a qualified orthopedic specialist is required. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.
What treatments are available?
This is educational information only. Treatment depends on diagnosis. Individual evaluation by a qualified orthopedic specialist is required. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.
When is hip replacement considered?
This is educational information only. Treatment depends on diagnosis. Individual evaluation by a qualified orthopedic specialist is required. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.
Can arthroscopy help?
This is educational information only. Treatment depends on diagnosis. Individual evaluation by a qualified orthopedic specialist is required. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.
Are outcomes guaranteed?
This is educational information only. Treatment depends on diagnosis. Individual evaluation by a qualified orthopedic specialist is required. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.
Can hip pain be referred from the spine?
This is educational information only. Treatment depends on diagnosis. Individual evaluation by a qualified orthopedic specialist is required. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.
What is hip dysplasia?
This is educational information only. Treatment depends on diagnosis. Individual evaluation by a qualified orthopedic specialist is required. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.
When should I seek urgent care?
This is educational information only. Treatment depends on diagnosis. Individual evaluation by a qualified orthopedic specialist is required. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.
Are injections effective?
This is educational information only. Treatment depends on diagnosis. Individual evaluation by a qualified orthopedic specialist is required. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.
How is hip bursitis treated?
This is educational information only. Treatment depends on diagnosis. Individual evaluation by a qualified orthopedic specialist is required. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.
Is physical therapy effective?
This is educational information only. Treatment depends on diagnosis. Individual evaluation by a qualified orthopedic specialist is required. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.
What is avascular necrosis?
This is educational information only. Treatment depends on diagnosis. Individual evaluation by a qualified orthopedic specialist is required. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.
How long is recovery from hip surgery?
This is educational information only. Treatment depends on diagnosis. Individual evaluation by a qualified orthopedic specialist is required. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.
When is hip arthroscopy considered?
This is educational information only. Treatment depends on diagnosis. Individual evaluation by a qualified orthopedic specialist is required. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.
Can both hips be treated?
This is educational information only. Treatment depends on diagnosis. Individual evaluation by a qualified orthopedic specialist is required. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.
Financial planning
Understanding Treatment Costs & Financing
Patients frequently explore financing options while researching orthopedic treatment pathways. Financing availability varies by provider and region. Terms, approval, rates, and availability are determined by independent third-party providers.
Explore Financing OptionsScience & evidence
Evidence-Based Orthopedic Education
This educational resource references information from:
Medical Review
Medical Review
This educational content has been medically reviewed for accuracy and completeness.
Reviewed by
Dr. Aureliano Mateus García, MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon · Joint Reconstruction · Hip & Knee Replacement · Arthroscopy · Sports Medicine
Dr. Aureliano Mateus García is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint reconstruction, arthroscopy, sports medicine, and hip and knee replacement surgery. His clinical practice focuses on patients with degenerative joint disease, sports-related injuries, meniscal pathology, ligament injuries, hip disorders, and advanced arthritis requiring joint replacement. Dr. Mateus combines minimally invasive orthopedic techniques with evidence-based treatment pathways designed to improve mobility, reduce pain, and accelerate recovery whenever possible.
Areas of Interest
- Knee Replacement Surgery
- Hip Replacement Surgery
- Revision Joint Surgery
- Knee Arthroscopy
- Hip Arthroscopy
- ACL Reconstruction
The purpose of this review is to ensure educational accuracy and consistency with current orthopedic literature and professional society recommendations. Medical review does not create a physician-patient relationship.
Last Reviewed: June 2026
Facility Information
Hospital CYNTAR
Orthopedic procedures discussed on this website may be performed at Hospital CYNTAR in Tijuana, Mexico. Hospital CYNTAR is a multidisciplinary specialty hospital serving domestic and international patients, and is part of the same institutional group as Obesity Control Center and The Ariel Center for Cosmetic Surgery.
Advanced orthopedic surgery suites
On-site ICU with 24/7 patient monitoring
Digital imaging services (X-ray, CT, MRI on-site or coordinated)
Arthroscopy equipment
Joint replacement technology
Physical therapy and rehabilitation resources
Dedicated US patient coordinators and translators
20+ years of specialty surgical experience at the same facility
Short flight to San Diego with coordinated border transfer
Perioperative care teams
Availability of specific technologies, services, and physicians may vary.
Institutional Track Record
Host Facility — Verified Surgical Track Record
Hospital CYNTAR is part of an institutional group with a long-standing international surgical track record. The metrics below reflect the affiliated bariatric surgery program at Obesity Control Center operating within the same hospital group — they demonstrate institutional volume, accreditation, and safety culture, and are not orthopedic outcomes.
30,000+
Procedures performed (bariatric program)
19,801
Patients in ASMBS published outcomes study
1.2%
30-day morbidity (published series)
0
Mortalities reported (published series)
2010
SRC Center of Excellence since
These metrics describe the host facility's bariatric program (Obesity Control Center) and demonstrate institutional safety culture. They do not represent outcomes for hip or knee surgery. Individual orthopedic results vary.
Hospital Standards & Accreditation
Hospital Standards & Accreditation
When evaluating orthopedic treatment programs, patients often review facility accreditation, safety protocols, infection prevention programs, quality reporting, and rehabilitation support. Hospital CYNTAR is Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited — the gold standard for international hospital quality and patient safety — and the same institutional group additionally holds SRC Center of Excellence and Global Healthcare Accreditation designations through its affiliated bariatric program at Obesity Control Center.
Hospital CYNTAR's JCI accreditation can be independently verified using the link above. SRC Center of Excellence and Global Healthcare Accreditation are held by the affiliated Obesity Control Center program operating within the same hospital group.
Speak With An Educational Coordinator
Educational coordinators can help explain pathways and answer general questions. This is not medical advice.
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