Does My Chronic Hip Pain Require Surgery to Fix?

Chronic hip pain can make simple activities a challenge. Walking, climbing stairs, exercising, or even getting in and out of a chair may become uncomfortable when hip pain persists. Many people assume surgery is the only solution, but that’s often not the case.

At Coastal Regenerative Orthopedics & Wellness Center in San Diego, California, Ronald Cohen, MD, and our team help patients identify the cause of chronic hip pain and explore personalized treatment options.

In many cases, conservative therapies can reduce pain and help patients avoid surgery altogether.

What causes chronic hip pain?

Hip pain can develop for many reasons. Some conditions result from injuries, while others occur gradually due to aging or repetitive stress on the joint.

Common causes of chronic hip pain include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Tendon injuries
• Bursitis
• Labral tears
• Muscle strains
• Hip impingement
• Overuse injuries

Because several conditions can produce similar symptoms, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is an important first step toward effective treatment.

Signs your hip pain may need medical attention

Occasional soreness after physical activity is common, but chronic hip pain lasting for weeks or months deserves evaluation.

Schedule an assessment if you experience:

• Persistent hip pain
• Stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Pain when walking or standing
• Difficulty climbing stairs
• Pain that interferes with sleep
• Weakness or instability in the hip
• Pain that limits daily activities

Early treatment often helps prevent symptoms from worsening and may improve long-term outcomes.

Does chronic hip pain always require surgery?

Many patients with chronic hip pain respond well to nonsurgical treatment; conservative therapies are often the first approach for managing hip conditions.

Treatment recommendations depend on the underlying cause of your pain, the severity of symptoms, and your overall health goals.

Many people experience significant improvement through a combination of physical therapy, activity modification, strengthening exercises, and regenerative medicine therapies.

Nonsurgical treatment options for hip pain

At Coastal Regenerative Orthopedics & Wellness Center, we focus on helping patients restore function while supporting the body's natural healing processes.

Your personalized treatment plan may include:

• Physical therapy
• Targeted stretching and strengthening exercises
• Activity modifications
• Anti-inflammatory therapies
• Lifestyle recommendations
• Regenerative medicine treatments

Physical therapy can strengthen the muscles surrounding the hip, improve flexibility, and reduce stress on the joint. Improving movement patterns often decreases pain and helps patients return to normal activities with greater comfort.

How regenerative medicine may help

Regenerative medicine offers promising options for patients seeking alternatives to surgery.

One popular treatment is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. PRP uses concentrated growth factors from your blood to support a natural healing response. Growth factors may help reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and improve function in some musculoskeletal conditions.

For some patients, regenerative therapies provide meaningful pain relief and may delay or eliminate the need for surgical intervention.

When surgery may be necessary

Although many patients improve with conservative care, surgery may be appropriate in some situations.

You may need a surgical evaluation if:

• Severe joint damage is present
• Significant loss of function occurs
• Conservative treatments fail to provide relief
• Hip pain continues to worsen despite treatment

A comprehensive evaluation can help determine the most appropriate course of action.

Find relief from chronic hip pain

Chronic hip pain doesn’t automatically mean you need surgery. Many patients find relief through physical therapy, regenerative medicine, and other nonsurgical treatments that improve mobility and reduce discomfort.

If hip pain affects your quality of life, call Coastal Regenerative Orthopedics & Wellness Center or request a consultation online today to learn about your treatment options.