Getting up from a chair feels harder than it used to. Walking to the kitchen leaves your hip aching. Climbing stairs has become something you plan around instead of doing without thinking.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Hip pain is one of the most common complaints among older adults, and it often gets brushed off as “just ageing.”
But hip pain isn’t something you have to simply live with. In this guide, we cover the most common causes of hip pain in older adults, and when it’s time to see a pain specialist instead of waiting it out.
Why Is Hip Pain So Common in Older Adults?
The hip is a weight-bearing joint that goes through decades of daily wear. Over time, cartilage naturally thins, muscles around the joint weaken, and old injuries can resurface as chronic discomfort.
Add in conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, and the hip becomes one of the first joints to show signs of age-related strain.
Common Causes of Hip Pain in Older Adults
Understanding the cause is the first step toward the right treatment. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Osteoarthritis — the most common cause, where cartilage in the hip joint gradually wears down, leading to stiffness and pain
- Bursitis — inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint, often causing pain on the outer hip
- Tendinitis — inflammation of the tendons around the hip, usually from repetitive movement or overuse
- Muscle strain — weakness or overstretching of muscles supporting the hip
- Osteoporosis-related fractures — weakened bones can make the hip more vulnerable to stress fractures, especially after a fall
- Referred pain from the spine — sometimes hip pain actually originates from a nerve issue in the lower back
Symptoms That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Not all hip discomfort is the same. Pay attention if you notice:
- Pain that worsens with walking or climbing stairs
- Stiffness that’s most noticeable in the morning or after sitting for a while
- A clicking or grinding sensation in the hip joint
- Pain that radiates to the groin, thigh, or knee
- Reduced range of motion, like difficulty putting on shoes or socks
- Pain that disturbs sleep, especially when lying on the affected side
When Should You See a Pain Specialist?
Many people wait months, sometimes years, before consulting a specialist for hip pain — usually because they assume surgery is the only next step. That’s rarely true.
Consider seeing a pain management specialist if:
- Hip pain has lasted more than 2–3 weeks without improvement
- Over-the-counter pain relief isn’t helping anymore
- Pain is affecting your ability to walk, sleep, or do daily tasks
- You’ve had a recent fall or injury involving the hip
- You’re managing the pain but avoiding activities you used to enjoy
Early evaluation often means simpler, non-surgical treatment — and a much better quality of life while you’re being treated.
Non-Surgical Hip Pain Relief Options
Most older adults with hip pain can be managed effectively without surgery. Common non-surgical options include:
Physiotherapy & Strengthening Exercises
Targeted exercises help strengthen the muscles supporting the hip joint, improving stability and reducing strain on the joint itself.
Nerve Blocks & Injections
Image-guided injections can reduce inflammation and pain directly at the source, often providing relief that makes physiotherapy more effective.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
For persistent nerve-related hip pain, RFA can interrupt pain signals from specific nerves, offering longer-lasting relief without surgery.
Regenerative Therapy (PRP) for the Hip Joint
Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy uses components from the patient’s own blood to support the body’s natural healing response in and around the hip joint.
Lifestyle & Activity Modification
Simple changes — like using supportive footwear, managing body weight, and modifying high-impact activities — can meaningfully reduce hip strain over time.
The right combination of treatments depends on the exact cause of your hip pain, your overall health, and how advanced the underlying condition is. This is exactly why a proper diagnosis matters before starting any treatment plan.
How Epione Approaches Hip Pain Treatment in Hyderabad
Epione Pain Management is one of the first multidisciplinary pain management centres in South India, with over 20+ years of collective experience and 50,000+ patients treated across chronic pain conditions.
Led by Dr. Sudheer Dara, a pioneer in pain medicine, and Dr. Minal Chandra, our team works alongside orthopedicians, neurologists, and physiotherapists to build a treatment plan around the actual cause of your hip pain — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
For older adults especially, our goal is to help you regain mobility and independence, using non-surgical options wherever possible, and only considering more advanced interventions when truly necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes hip pain in older adults?
Common causes include osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, muscle strain, osteoporosis-related fractures, and sometimes referred pain from the lower back.
Is hip pain a normal part of ageing?
Some wear and tear is common with age, but persistent or worsening hip pain is not something you should simply accept — it’s usually treatable.
What is the most common cause of hip pain in elderly people?
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause, where the cartilage cushioning the hip joint gradually wears down over time.
Can hip pain be treated without surgery?
Yes, most cases of hip pain, including arthritis-related pain, can be managed with physiotherapy, injections, and other non-surgical treatments.
When should I see a doctor for hip pain?
See a specialist if hip pain lasts more than 2–3 weeks, worsens with walking, disturbs your sleep, or limits your daily activities.
What does hip bursitis feel like?
Hip bursitis typically causes pain on the outer part of the hip, which can worsen when lying on that side or after prolonged activity.
Can hip pain be related to back problems?
Yes, nerve irritation or issues in the lower spine can sometimes cause pain that’s felt in the hip, known as referred pain.
What exercises help with hip pain?
Gentle strengthening and stretching exercises for the hip and surrounding muscles, guided by a physiotherapist, often help reduce pain and improve mobility.
Is walking bad for hip arthritis?
Not necessarily — moderate, low-impact walking can actually help maintain joint mobility, though it should be balanced with rest and guided by your specialist.
What is PRP therapy for hip pain?
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets from your own blood into the hip joint to support natural healing.
How does radiofrequency ablation help hip pain?
RFA uses heat to disrupt specific nerve signals causing hip pain, offering longer-term relief for select patients without surgery.
Can a fall cause long-term hip pain?
Yes, falls can lead to fractures or soft tissue injuries around the hip that may cause lingering pain if not properly diagnosed and treated.
Does osteoporosis increase hip pain risk?
Yes, osteoporosis weakens bones, making the hip more prone to fractures and pain, especially after minor falls or stress.
What’s the difference between hip arthritis and hip bursitis?
Hip arthritis involves wear of the joint cartilage causing deep joint pain, while bursitis involves inflammation of cushioning sacs, usually causing pain on the outer hip.
Can hip pain affect sleep?
Yes, hip pain often worsens when lying on the affected side, which can significantly disturb sleep quality.
Is hip replacement the only option for hip arthritis?
No, hip replacement is usually considered only after non-surgical options like physiotherapy, injections, and lifestyle changes haven’t provided enough relief.
How long does non-surgical hip pain treatment take to show results?
This varies by individual and cause, but many patients notice improvement within a few weeks of starting a structured treatment plan.
Can weight management help with hip pain?
Yes, maintaining a healthy body weight reduces stress on the hip joint, which can meaningfully ease pain over time.
What tests are used to diagnose hip pain causes?
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination along with imaging like X-rays or MRI to identify the underlying cause.
Should older adults avoid all exercise if they have hip pain?
No, complete inactivity can worsen stiffness. Guided, low-impact exercise is usually recommended rather than full rest.
Where can I get non-surgical hip pain treatment in Hyderabad?
Epione Pain Management in Hyderabad offers a multidisciplinary, non-surgical approach to hip pain treatment, led by experienced pain specialists Dr. Sudheer Dara and Dr. Minal Chandra.
Conclusion
Hip pain in older adults is common, but it’s not something you have to simply manage quietly. With the right diagnosis and a structured, non-surgical treatment plan, most patients see meaningful improvement in pain and mobility.
Don’t wait for the pain to become unbearable before seeking help. Early evaluation almost always leads to easier, more effective treatment.
Book Your Consultation
If hip pain is affecting your daily life, talk to Epione’s pain management specialists today.
📞 Call: +91 7000017062 / +91 9502020251 💬 WhatsApp: +91 8466044441 📧 Email: contact@epionepainandspine.com 📍 Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad: 8-2-293/82/A 245, 2nd Floor, Apurupa, Road No. 36, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500034 📍 Kothapet, Hyderabad: 1st Floor, Satyam Shivam Complex, above Paradise Restaurant, near Victoria Memorial Metro Station, Kothapet
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