A Real Patient Case of Hip Pain in an Avid Runner

Treatment: Patient’s hip pain was diagnosed through physical evaluation and imaging and treated though conservative therapy along with self-paced exercises that allowed the patient experience pain relief.

Outcome: Pain levels significantly decreased with the combination of the targeted physical therapy and the right medication.

Details: A 38-year-old avid runner complaining of persistent hip pain presented to Dr. Singh. For months, he’d been feeling discomfort in his groin, which worsened after long runs or when sitting for extended periods. Initially, he thought it was just a muscle strain, but the pain started interfering with his daily activities. He had trouble walking up stairs and even felt a clicking sensation in his hip.
After discussing his symptoms and active lifestyle, Dr. Singh, a sports medicine specialist, conducted a thorough physical evaluation and in-office ultrasound imaging and suspected a labral tear. She performed a physical exam and ordered an MRI to get a better look at the patient’s hip joint. The results confirmed the tear in the hip labrum, the cartilage that stabilizes the hip joint, which was causing the patient’s pain and instability.
Dr. Singh explained the condition in detail and reassured the patient that while the injury could be serious, most patients see significant improvement with proper treatment. Dr. Singh began with conservative measures, including physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the hip, reduce inflammation, and improve range of motion. The patient also used anti-inflammatory medications to manage the pain. The combination of the targeted physical therapy and the right medicine provided much needed relief to the patient.
Over time, the patient saw steady progress. He diligently followed his rehab plan, and within a few months, his hip pain had significantly diminished. He was able to return to running, but now with a focus on strengthening and stretching to prevent future injuries. Thanks to Dr. Singh’s early diagnosis and structured treatment plan, the patient was able to get back to his active lifestyle without the persistent pain.

The main causes of hip pain are:

Hip pain is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Injuries: fractures, dislocations, strains, and bursitis.
• Conditions:
  Arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
  Hip impingement
  Labral tears
  Tendinitis
  Pelvic floor disorders
• Symptoms:
  Pain in the hip joint or surrounding area
  Pain that worsens with activity
  Stiffness
  Swelling
  Redness (in some cases)
  Tenderness
• Diagnosis:
  Physical exam, X-rays, and MRI or CT scan (in some cases).
• Treatment:
  Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Options may include:
  Rest
  Ice
  Heat
  Medications (e.g., pain relievers, anti-inflammatories)
  Physical therapy
  Surgery (in severe cases)