Hip pain is often dismissed as an inevitable part of aging, but a leading surgeon warns against this mindset. Ignoring persistent hip discomfort, particularly in younger individuals, can lead to serious long-term consequences. According to the American College of Rheumatology, over 544,000 hip replacements are performed annually in the US, yet many cases could be prevented with early intervention.
Why Delaying Treatment Matters
Dr. Derek Ochiai, a board-certified hip surgeon, emphasizes that delaying a doctor’s visit for hip pain lasting more than two weeks is a mistake. “If you’re struggling to sit comfortably for even short periods, or if your gait has changed to avoid twisting motions, that’s not normal,” he says. The problem isn’t just inconvenience; untreated hip issues can accelerate the development of arthritis.
A Danish study following patients with hip pain for a decade found that those with early signs of a labral tear (damage to the hip socket) were 26 times more likely to develop arthritis within 10 years compared to the general population. This isn’t necessarily the result of a traumatic injury. Many labral tears develop gradually, making them easy to overlook.
How to Identify Concerning Hip Pain
The challenge lies in accurately identifying whether the pain originates from the hip itself. Dr. Rahul Shah, an orthopedic spine surgeon, notes that pain in the hip region can stem from the lower back or surrounding muscles. A key indicator is pain during deep hip flexion, such as when performing squats or sitting in chairs that force extreme hip angles.
- Difficulty standing on one leg
- Trouble with everyday tasks like putting on socks or clipping toenails
- Asymmetrical knee-to-chest movement (one side significantly restricted)
Simple Steps to Take Now
Beyond medical evaluation, several lifestyle adjustments can help manage hip pain.
- Adjust your posture: Raise your chair to reduce extreme hip flexion when sitting. Using a cushion can also help.
- Strengthen your core: Hip and back health are linked. Abdominal and back exercises, like those used in post-surgery rehab, can alleviate hip strain.
- Strengthen glutes: Exercises like hamstring stretches and bodyweight squats improve stability.
- Stretch regularly: Hip flexor stretches, combined with ankle and knee mobility exercises, can restore full range of motion.
Ignoring hip pain can lead to irreversible damage. The sooner you address it, the better your chances of avoiding long-term complications like arthritis and the need for joint replacement. If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort, don’t wait—seek medical attention.
