When you begin your day, your hip is sore and stiff, and it takes a little while for the joint to loosen up. Or, you’re not sleeping all that well due to a hip pain that objects to certain sleep positions. These are just two examples of signs that point toward a brewing problem in your hip that can benefit from early intervention.
At Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine, our board-certified musculoskeletal specialists diagnose and treat hip conditions across New Jersey. We help patients regain pain-free movement through conservative, non-surgical, and regenerative treatments. The sooner you address hip pain, the faster we can resolve it.
Our team of board-certified doctors provides conservative, non-surgical, and regenerative treatments to heal sports injuries and relieve pain. Our offices are located in Westfield and West Orange, New Jersey, and serve all of Union County, Morris County, Middlesex County, and Somerset County, including the surrounding towns of Cranford, Garwood, Clark, Scotch Plains, Mountainside, Springfield, Summit, Chatham, Millburn, Short Hills, Maplewood, Watchung, Berkeley Heights, Livingston, Union, Edison, Woodbridge, and Elizabeth. If you suspect that you may have hip pain, don’t hesitate to call Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine or request an appointment online today.
For appointments, call us or book online at any of our convenient locations in Middletown, Morristown, Ridgewood, Westfield, and West Orange.
When Hip Pain Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Most people wait an average of six months before seeing a doctor about hip pain, hoping it will resolve on its own. But here’s the problem: untreated hip pain often signals progressive conditions like arthritis, labral tears, or bursitis that worsen without intervention. What starts as morning stiffness can escalate into chronic pain, limited mobility, and eventually, the need for surgery.
If your hip hurts when you climb stairs, aches at night, or feels stiff first thing in the morning, your body is telling you something needs attention. Early diagnosis means more treatment options, faster recovery, and a better chance of avoiding invasive procedures.
Common Signs of Hip Pain
Pain signals a problem, especially in weight-bearing joints like the hip. Hip pain can appear in several ways:
- Morning stiffness and soreness when you take your first steps
- Discomfort after physical activity or exercise
- Trouble sleeping on your side due to hip tenderness
- Pain when climbing or descending stairs
- Weakness or instability in the hip joint
Any persistent hip pain deserves professional evaluation. Ignoring symptoms often leads to worsening damage and more limited treatment options.
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How We Diagnose Hip Pain in New Jersey
Accurate diagnosis starts with understanding your symptoms: when the pain started, what makes it worse, and how it affects your movement. A physical exam tests the range of motion, strength, and identifies where the pain originates. The front of the hip often suggests arthritis, while outer hip pain may indicate bursitis.
Imaging clarifies what’s happening inside the joint. X-rays reveal bone damage and arthritis, while MRI scans detect soft tissue problems like labral tears or tendon inflammation. For unclear cases, arthroscopy uses a tiny camera inserted through a small incision to visualize cartilage, ligaments, and other structures directly.
Treatment Options for Hip Pain
Once we identify the cause of your hip pain, we create a personalized treatment plan. Early intervention allows us to use conservative therapies for most conditions, including arthritis:
- Regenerative medicine (platelet-rich plasma therapy and Lipogems® adipose/fat therapy)
- Physical therapy and targeted exercises
- Rest and activity modification
- Corticosteroid injections for inflammation
- TenJet® tenotomy for tendon issues
For severe hip damage, hip replacement surgery may be necessary. Over 450,000 Americans undergo this procedure annually to restore pain-free mobility.
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What are the most common causes of hip pain?
Hip pain typically stems from osteoarthritis, hip bursitis, labral tears, tendinitis, or hip impingement. Injuries from falls, overuse from repetitive activities, and age-related wear can also trigger symptoms.
How do I know if my hip pain is serious?
Seek medical attention if your hip pain lasts more than a few weeks, interferes with sleep or daily activities, causes limping, or is accompanied by swelling, warmth, or inability to bear weight.
Can hip pain go away on its own?
Minor hip pain from overexertion may resolve with rest. However, persistent or worsening pain usually indicates an underlying condition that requires professional treatment to prevent further damage.
What does hip arthritis feel like?
Hip arthritis typically causes stiffness in the morning, pain that worsens with activity, reduced range of motion, and a grinding sensation in the joint. Many patients also experience pain in the groin or outer hip.
When should I see a doctor for hip pain in New Jersey?
Schedule an appointment if you’ve had hip pain for more than two weeks, if pain worsens despite rest, or if you notice weakness or instability in the hip joint. Early evaluation leads to better treatment outcomes.
What treatments are available for hip pain?
Treatment options range from physical therapy and regenerative medicine to corticosteroid injections and minimally invasive procedures. Severe cases may require hip replacement surgery, though early intervention often avoids this.
Get Hip Pain Relief in New Jersey
Hip pain doesn’t improve on its own. Every day you wait, the damage can progress, turning a treatable issue into something that requires more aggressive intervention. You deserve to walk, sleep, and move without constant discomfort.
Our team at Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine has helped thousands of patients across New Jersey regain their mobility and quality of life. We understand how debilitating hip pain can be, and we’re ready to help you today, not weeks from now.
