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Hip Pain Treatment in Mumbai by Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya

Understanding Hip Pain

Hip pain can arise from the hip joint, the muscles and tendons around it, the lower back or another nearby structure.

The term “hip pain” is therefore not a diagnosis.

Pain felt near the hip may be caused by:

  • Hip osteoarthritis

  • Avascular necrosis of the femoral head

  • Gluteal tendon disease

  • Trochanteric pain or bursitis

  • Muscle strain

  • Previous injury or fracture

  • Hip impingement

  • Labral disease

  • Inflammatory arthritis

  • Infection

  • Pain referred from the lumbar spine

  • Less common bone or soft-tissue conditions

Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya assesses hip pain according to its location, onset, activity pattern, associated stiffness, walking limitation and examination findings.

Treatment is selected only after identifying the most likely source of symptoms.

Where Is Hip-Joint Pain Usually Felt?

Pain arising from inside the hip joint is commonly felt in the:

  • Groin

  • Front of the upper thigh

  • Side of the hip

  • Buttock

  • Thigh

  • Knee

Groin pain is particularly suggestive of the hip joint, but location alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.

Pain on the outer side of the hip may arise from tendons or tissues over the greater trochanter. Buttock pain may come from the hip, lower back, sacroiliac region or surrounding muscles.

Some patients report knee pain even though the primary problem is in the hip. This is called referred pain.

For this reason, examination of the hip may be necessary when persistent knee pain is not explained adequately by the knee itself.

Symptoms Suggesting a Hip-Joint Problem

Symptoms that may suggest disease within the hip joint include:

  • Groin pain while walking

  • Pain when standing after prolonged sitting

  • Reduced walking distance

  • Difficulty putting on shoes or socks

  • Difficulty cutting toenails

  • Difficulty entering or exiting a vehicle

  • Pain when turning in bed

  • Difficulty sitting cross-legged

  • Reduced ability to squat

  • Hip stiffness after rest

  • Limping

  • Pain extending toward the thigh or knee

  • Reduced hip rotation

As hip disease advances, pain may occur during shorter periods of activity and later during rest or sleep.

The severity of symptoms should be assessed together with function. An imaging report alone does not determine how much treatment a patient requires.

Common Causes of Hip Pain

Hip osteoarthritis

Hip osteoarthritis causes gradual damage to the joint cartilage and underlying bone. It may lead to groin pain, stiffness, reduced rotation and difficulty walking.

The dedicated hip arthritis treatment in Mumbai page will explain diagnosis and staged treatment in detail.

Avascular necrosis

Avascular necrosis, also called osteonecrosis, occurs when the blood supply to part of the femoral head becomes impaired. The bone may weaken and eventually collapse.

Risk factors can include steroid exposure, heavy alcohol use, trauma and certain medical conditions, although some cases occur without an identifiable cause.

Read the dedicated guide to avascular necrosis of the hip treatment in Mumbai.

Outer-hip tendon pain

Pain on the outer side of the hip may arise from the gluteal tendons or nearby bursal tissues. It may worsen when lying on the affected side, climbing stairs or standing on one leg.

Pain referred from the spine

Lumbar spine disease may cause buttock, thigh or leg pain. Numbness, tingling, electric pain or symptoms extending below the knee may suggest a neurological component.

Injury and fracture

A fall or significant injury can cause fracture, muscle injury or joint damage. Older adults may sustain a hip fracture after a relatively minor fall, particularly when osteoporosis is present.

When Hip Pain Requires Urgent Assessment

Seek urgent medical assessment when there is:

  • Severe pain after a fall or injury

  • Inability to stand or bear weight

  • Visible deformity

  • A shortened or externally rotated leg after injury

  • A hot or swollen hip with fever

  • Rapidly increasing pain

  • Significant redness or skin discolouration

  • New numbness or weakness after injury

  • Severe pain with general illness

  • Unexplained severe night pain

  • Rapid loss of function

These symptoms may indicate fracture, infection, neurological injury or another condition requiring urgent investigation.

Routine exercises, massage or painkillers should not delay assessment when serious warning signs are present.

Clinical Assessment of Hip Pain

A detailed assessment begins with the history of the symptoms.

Important questions include:

  • Where is the pain felt?

  • Did it begin suddenly or gradually?

  • Was there an injury?

  • Is pain worse while walking or resting?

  • Does pain disturb sleep?

  • Is there prolonged morning stiffness?

  • Has walking distance reduced?

  • Is the patient limping?

  • Is there difficulty wearing shoes and socks?

  • Are there back symptoms, numbness or tingling?

  • Has the patient used steroids or consumed substantial alcohol?

  • Have previous treatments helped?

The physical examination may assess:

  • Walking pattern

  • Limb length

  • Hip rotation

  • Hip bending and extension

  • Muscle strength

  • Tenderness around the hip

  • Pain during specific movements

  • Knee examination

  • Lumbar spine and neurological findings

  • Balance and walking-aid requirements

A restricted and painful hip rotation may support a hip-joint diagnosis, but no single examination test should be interpreted in isolation.

X-Rays, MRI and Other Tests

Hip X-rays

X-rays may show:

  • Joint-space narrowing

  • Bone spurs

  • Changes in the femoral head

  • Changes in the hip socket

  • Deformity

  • Previous fracture

  • Collapse caused by advanced AVN

  • Other bone abnormalities

The X-ray should be interpreted alongside the patient’s symptoms and examination.

MRI

MRI may be considered when:

  • AVN is suspected but X-rays are normal or inconclusive

  • An occult fracture is suspected

  • Symptoms are not explained by routine X-rays

  • A soft-tissue or labral condition may alter treatment

  • A tumour, infection or another less common condition is suspected

MRI is not automatically required for every patient with hip pain or established osteoarthritis.

Blood tests

Blood tests may be required when there is concern about:

  • Infection

  • Inflammatory arthritis

  • Gout or another metabolic condition

  • Anaemia or systemic illness

  • Preparation for surgery

Investigations should answer a clinical question rather than being ordered routinely without a clear purpose.

Non-Surgical Hip Pain Treatment

Treatment depends on the diagnosis.

A non-surgical programme may include:

  • Education about the condition

  • Activity modification

  • Therapeutic exercise

  • Physiotherapy

  • Weight management when relevant

  • A walking stick or other aid

  • Topical or oral medicines

  • Temporary symptom-control measures

  • Selected image-guided injections

  • Review after an agreed period

Not every patient requires every treatment.

Non-surgical treatment aims to reduce symptoms and improve function. It does not reliably reverse advanced joint destruction, restore a collapsed femoral head or correct a major fixed deformity.

Physiotherapy and Exercise

Exercise may help improve:

  • Hip-muscle strength

  • Lower-limb strength

  • Balance

  • Hip movement

  • Walking tolerance

  • Chair-rise ability

  • General fitness

A programme may include strengthening of the:

  • Hip abductors

  • Hip extensors

  • Quadriceps

  • Hamstrings

  • Calf muscles

  • Core and trunk muscles

Suitable aerobic options may include:

  • Level walking

  • Stationary cycling

  • Swimming

  • Water-based exercise

  • Other low-impact activities

Exercise should be tailored to the diagnosis. A patient with hip arthritis may require a different programme from a patient with gluteal tendon pain or lumbar referred pain.

Forceful stretching into severe pain is not necessary and may aggravate symptoms.

Activity Modification

Complete rest commonly leads to additional weakness and stiffness.

A more useful approach is to modify aggravating activities while maintaining tolerable movement.

This may involve:

  • Dividing long walks into shorter sessions

  • Reducing repeated stair climbing

  • Avoiding prolonged low-chair sitting

  • Using a higher chair

  • Limiting deep squatting when painful

  • Avoiding forceful cross-legged sitting

  • Using a long-handled shoehorn

  • Alternating activity with planned rest

  • Replacing running with cycling or swimming

  • Using supportive footwear

Activity modification should preserve independence rather than create unnecessary long-term inactivity.

Medicines for Hip Pain

Medicines may be considered to support movement and daily function.

The choice depends on:

  • Diagnosis

  • Age

  • Kidney function

  • Stomach-ulcer risk

  • Heart disease

  • Blood pressure

  • Liver health

  • Blood-thinning medicines

  • Other medication

  • Previous side effects

Options may include topical or oral anti-inflammatory medicines in suitable patients.

Medicines should generally be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest clinically appropriate period.

Strong opioid medicines are not appropriate routine long-term treatment for degenerative hip pain because of risks such as sedation, constipation, falls, dependence and limited sustained benefit.

Patients should not combine several pain medicines without checking their active ingredients and medical suitability.

Walking Aids

A walking stick can reduce load through a painful hip and improve balance.

It is usually held in the hand opposite the painful hip.

The stick should be:

  • The correct height

  • Used with an appropriate walking pattern

  • Fitted with a secure rubber tip

  • Reviewed if the patient remains unstable

Some patients may require crutches or a walking frame temporarily.

Using an aid is not a sign of treatment failure. It may improve safety and independence while the underlying condition is being treated.

Hip Injections

A hip-joint injection may sometimes be considered for diagnostic or temporary symptom-control purposes.

Because the hip joint lies deep beneath surrounding tissues, image guidance is commonly used to improve placement.

A corticosteroid injection may provide short-term pain relief in selected patients. It does not repair lost cartilage or permanently treat advanced arthritis.

Injections should not be described as treatments that reliably:

  • Regrow hip cartilage

  • Reverse AVN

  • Reconstruct a collapsed femoral head

  • Correct deformity

  • Prevent hip replacement permanently

Repeated injections should not replace reassessment when walking, sleep and daily function continue to deteriorate.

The surgeon should be informed about all previous hip injections when replacement surgery is being considered.

Hip Arthritis and AVN Require Different Treatment Pathways

Hip osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis can both cause groin pain and stiffness, but they are not the same condition.

Hip osteoarthritis involves progressive degeneration of the joint surfaces.

AVN involves impaired blood supply and weakening of the femoral head. In early stages, MRI may identify disease before collapse becomes visible on routine X-rays.

Treatment selection depends on:

  • Diagnosis

  • Disease stage

  • Presence or absence of femoral-head collapse

  • Pain severity

  • Walking limitation

  • Patient age

  • Medical history

  • Previous treatment

A treatment intended for osteoarthritis should not automatically be used for AVN, and vice versa.

When Hip Replacement May Be Considered

Hip replacement may be discussed when:

  • Pain substantially affects daily activities

  • Walking distance is markedly reduced

  • Night or resting pain is persistent

  • Hip stiffness interferes with dressing and personal care

  • The patient has difficulty entering vehicles or using stairs

  • The femoral head has collapsed

  • Appropriate non-surgical treatment is ineffective or unsuitable

  • Quality of life has deteriorated significantly

The decision should not be based only on age, body weight or an X-ray report.

Clinical assessment should consider:

  • Symptoms

  • Function

  • Examination

  • Imaging

  • General medical health

  • Rehabilitation capacity

  • Patient expectations

  • Expected benefits and risks

Read the dedicated guide explaining when hip replacement is needed.

Patients already considering surgery can visit the main page for a hip replacement surgeon in Mumbai.

A Patient-Specific Approach to Hip Pain

The same symptom can have different causes in different patients.

For example:

  • Groin pain may arise from arthritis, AVN or impingement

  • Outer-hip pain may arise from tendon disease

  • Buttock pain may originate from the spine

  • Knee pain may be referred from the hip

  • Limping may result from pain, weakness or limb-length difference

Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya’s assessment focuses on identifying the actual pain source before recommending treatment.

The objective is to avoid:

  • Treating an imaging report rather than the patient

  • Repeating medicines without a confirmed diagnosis

  • Ordering unnecessary scans

  • Using injections without realistic indications

  • Recommending surgery prematurely

  • Delaying surgery when disability has become substantial

Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Pain

Where is pain from the hip joint usually felt?

Hip-joint pain is commonly felt in the groin or front of the thigh. It may also extend toward the buttock or knee.

Can hip disease cause knee pain?

Yes. Hip-joint pain may be referred toward the thigh or knee.

Does outer-hip pain always mean hip arthritis?

No. Outer-hip pain may arise from gluteal tendons, bursal tissues or other structures.

Can back problems feel like hip pain?

Yes. Lumbar spine conditions can cause buttock, thigh or leg pain and may be associated with numbness or tingling.

Why does my hip hurt after sitting?

Arthritis and other hip conditions can cause stiffness after rest. The diagnosis depends on the complete symptom pattern and examination.

Why is it difficult to wear shoes or socks?

Reduced hip rotation and bending can make footwear and personal care difficult, particularly in hip arthritis.

Do I need an X-ray for hip pain?

An X-ray may be useful when arthritis, deformity, fracture or another bone condition is suspected. It is not automatically required for every minor symptom.

When is MRI required?

MRI may be appropriate when AVN, an occult fracture or another condition not adequately shown on X-ray is suspected.

Can hip pain be treated without surgery?

Yes. Many patients improve with activity modification, exercise, physiotherapy, weight management, medicines or a walking aid.

Can physiotherapy cure hip arthritis?

Physiotherapy can improve strength and function but cannot regenerate established lost cartilage.

Is walking good for hip pain?

Tolerable walking may support mobility, but distance and intensity should be adjusted according to the diagnosis and symptom response.

Which side should I use a walking stick on?

A walking stick is generally used in the hand opposite the painful hip.

Are hip injections useful?

A selected image-guided injection may provide temporary symptom relief or diagnostic information. It does not permanently repair advanced joint damage.

Can GFC or PRP reverse hip arthritis?

Current evidence does not establish that these injections reliably regenerate hip cartilage or reverse advanced arthritis.

Does groin pain mean I need hip replacement?

No. Groin pain requires diagnosis. Many patients can be treated without surgery.

When should hip replacement be discussed?

It may be discussed when pain, stiffness and functional loss substantially affect quality of life despite appropriate non-surgical treatment.

When is hip pain urgent?

Urgent assessment is required after a significant injury with inability to bear weight, or when pain is associated with marked swelling, heat, fever, neurological symptoms or rapid deterioration.

About Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya

Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya is an Orthopedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon in Mumbai.

His qualifications include:

  • MBBS from LTMMC & GH, Sion Hospital

  • D’Ortho from KMC, Hubli

  • DNB Orthopedics from the National Board of Examinations, New Delhi

  • MNAMS Orthopedics

  • Fellowship in Robotic & Computer-Navigated Joint Replacement

His clinical approach is evidence-based, judgement-driven and patient-specific. Hip pain is assessed according to the actual source of symptoms, functional limitation, examination and appropriate imaging.

Non-surgical treatment is considered first when clinically suitable. Hip replacement is discussed only when symptoms, joint damage and loss of function justify it.

Last medically reviewed: June 2026.

Book a Hip Pain Consultation in Mumbai

Patients seeking assessment for hip pain, groin pain, stiffness, limping, possible hip arthritis or AVN can consult Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya at Ghatkopar East or Ghatkopar West, Mumbai.

Call +91 84249 03913 or +91 96113 30063.

Appointments can also be requested through the orthopedic doctor consultation page.

Medical References

This patient-education page is informed by current guidance and patient information from:

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

  • National Health Service

Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for general patient education and does not replace clinical examination, diagnosis or personalised treatment advice.

Hip pain can arise from the joint, surrounding soft tissues, spine or another medical condition. Seek urgent assessment for severe pain after injury, inability to bear weight, fever, marked swelling, rapidly worsening symptoms or new neurological changes.

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