Painful hip, when should you consult a doctor?
A hip pain Persistent hip pain should never be dismissed. Whether it occurs in the groin, buttock, or radiates to the knee, it may indicate underlying joint or tendon pathology. An accurate diagnosis is essential to avoid adverse outcomes, as some causes of hip pain can worsen rapidly if left untreated.
Dr. Coulin recommends a specialist consultation as soon as the pain becomes chronic, after a trauma, or if it is accompanied by warning signs such as limping, stiffness or loss of mobility.
What can cause hip pain ?
The origins of a hip pain are varied and depend on age, activity level and context (traumatic or not).
- In young adults, hip pain can be related to:
- femoroacetabular conflict (abnormal friction between the femur and the pelvis),
- a lesion of the labrum (ring of fibrous cartilage stabilizing the joint),
- a muscular or tendon pathology (tendinitis, elongation).
- In older patients, osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis) is a very common cause of hip pain, but other diagnoses should be considered:
- necrosis of the femoral head,
- trochanteric bursitis (inflammation of a bursa),
- gluteal muscle tendinopathy,
- stress fracture linked to bone fragility.
In some cases, hip pain is actually referred to by a lumbar (spine) pathology. Hence the importance of a rigorous diagnosis and a complete analysis.
What tests are needed to understand the origin of the pain ?
During the consultation, Dr. Coulin begins with a detailed interview and a targeted clinical examinationThe objective is to identify signs of joint or extra-articular pain, as well as aggravating factors (exertion, walking, stairs, prolonged sitting).
Imaging tests are then prescribed to clarify the origin of the hip pain:
Hip ultrasound
Useful for visualizing tendons and periarticular bursae, and for guiding certain diagnostic or therapeutic infiltrations.
Pelvic and hip X-ray
First examination, it allows the condition of the articular surfaces, bone alignment to be assessed and osteoarthritis or a morphological abnormality to be detected.
Hip MRI
Essential for exploring soft tissues (cartilage, labrum, tendons) and highlighting lesions invisible on X-rays.
Scanner / Arthro-scanner
Used to analyze bone structure in more detail or to explore the labrum and cartilage using intra-articular injection.
What these tests reveal
Imaging tests can distinguish between two main categories of causes of hip pain :
- Intra-articular pathologies : osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis), labral lesions, femoroacetabular impingement, necrosis of the femoral head.
- Extra-articular causes : gluteal tendinopathy, bursitis, pain projected from the lumbar spine.
In many cases, hip pain is multifactorial. Therefore, cross-analysis between clinical examination and imaging results is essential to avoid missing a combined diagnosis.
A tailor-made approach with Dr. Coulin
Every patient is unique. Dr. Coulin takes a rigorous and personalized approach to identify the exact cause of a hip pain.
Its protocol includes:
- a precise physical examination,
- cutting-edge imaging,
- careful listening to the patient's symptoms and lifestyle.
Support can be:
- medical (analgesics, anti-inflammatories, targeted infiltrations),
- rehabilitative (physiotherapy to strengthen and loosen the joint),
- Or surgical if necessary (arthroscopy, conservative or prosthetic surgery).
The goal is always to relieve hip pain, restore mobility and allow the patient to resume their activities in the best possible conditions.
Are you suffering from a painful hip ?
Dr. Coulin will see you for a consultation in Geneva to make a clear diagnosis, analyze your tests and guide you towards the most appropriate treatment. Whether it is a mechanical, inflammatory or tendon pathology, each hip pain deserves specialized and tailor-made care.
Don't let persistent pain limit your mobility: early diagnosis is the key to effective treatment and lasting recovery.
