Hip pain – diagnostics and conservative treatment in Freiburg
Hip pain may occur in the groin, on the outside of the hip, in the buttock, or during walking and sport. Effective treatment depends on identifying whether the hip joint itself, tendons and bursae, muscles, or pain referred from the spine are involved.
Possible causes
Possible causes include osteoarthritis of the hip, irritation of the gluteal tendons or the bursa over the greater trochanter, femoroacetabular impingement, labral changes, muscular overload, or pain referred from the lumbar spine or sacroiliac joint. The location of the pain alone is not sufficient for a reliable diagnosis.
How the assessment works
Assessment combines a detailed medical history with examination of mobility, strength, gait and movements that reproduce the pain. Ultrasound can be useful for evaluating tendons, bursae, joint effusions and superficial soft tissues. Existing X-rays or MRI scans are reviewed; any additional imaging should address a specific diagnostic question.
Conservative treatment
Depending on the findings, treatment may include activity modification, targeted exercise and strengthening, physiotherapy, physical treatments or injections. For hip osteoarthritis, movement, muscle training and individually adjusted pain management are central. The need for a surgical opinion is assessed individually on the basis of symptoms, function and findings.
When prompt assessment is advisable
Prompt medical assessment is advisable after a fall if you cannot bear weight, or if there is sudden severe pain, fever, marked redness or rapidly increasing restriction of movement.
Please note
This information does not replace a medical examination. Sudden severe symptoms, marked deformity, paralysis or other warning signs should be assessed promptly by a medical professional.