Hip
Orthopedic Treatment for Hip Pain & Hip Injury in Iowa
Hip pain makes everyday life harder. It can affect how you walk, sleep, work, exercise, and enjoy time with your family. At Iowa Specialty Orthopedics, our orthopedic hip specialists provide personalized care for hip pain, injuries, arthritis, and other joint problems.
Your hips support your body weight and help you move, bend, stand, sit, and stay balanced. Because the hip is one of the largest and strongest joints in the body, it handles a lot of daily stress. Over time, injury, arthritis, overuse, or normal wear and tear can lead to pain and stiffness.
Our team will help you find the cause of your hip pain and build a treatment plan that helps you move more comfortably and confidently.
Schedule an Appointment Online Or Call: 515-955-6767
What Causes Hip Pain?
Hip pain can have many causes. Sometimes it starts after a fall, sports injury, or sudden twist. Other times, it builds slowly and gets worse over months or years.
Common causes of hip pain include:
- Arthritis: a condition that can cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- Bursitis: a condition in which the small fluid-filled sacs around the hip become irritated.
- Labral tears: injuries that affect the cartilage ring that helps hold the hip joint in place.
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI): a condition in which the hip bones rub together abnormally.
- Hip fractures: breaks in the hip bone, often caused by falls or trauma.
- Overuse injuries: injuries that develop over time from repeated movement or strain.
- Structural hip problems: issues with the shape or development of the hip that may be present from birth or develop over time.
Hip pain can also spread to nearby areas. Some people feel hip pain in the groin, thigh, buttock, or lower back. Because many conditions can cause similar symptoms, a clear diagnosis is important before treatment begins.
Common Hip Conditions We Treat
Hip problems can happen at any age. Some are caused by sports injuries or falls. Others develop slowly over time due to arthritis, overuse, or changes in the shape of the hip joint.
| Hip Condition | Common Symptoms | Possible Treatment Options |
|---|---|---|
| Hip arthritis | Pain, stiffness, swelling, trouble walking, reduced motion | Medication, physical therapy, injections, hip replacement surgery |
| Hip bursitis | Pain on the outside of the hip, pain when lying on one side, pain with walking | Rest, anti-inflammatory medicine, physical therapy, injections |
| Hip impingement (FAI) | Sharp groin pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion | Activity changes, physical therapy, and surgical reshaping if needed |
| Hip fracture | Sudden severe pain, trouble standing or walking, pain after a fall | Urgent evaluation, surgery, rehabilitation |
| Hip strains or tendon injuries | Pain with movement, soreness, weakness, tenderness | Rest, therapy, medication, gradual return to activity |
When to See an Orthopedic Hip Specialist
Mild hip pain may improve with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medicine. Hip pain that lasts, worsens, or interferes with daily life should be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist.
You should schedule an orthopedic hip evaluation if you have:
- Hip or groin pain that does not improve after a few days.
- Pain that makes it hard to walk, stand, bend, or climb stairs.
- Pain that wakes you up at night.
- Clicking, catching, locking, or popping in the hip.
- Trouble putting weight on your leg.
- Stiffness that limits your motion.
- Hip pain after a fall, accident, or sports injury.
- Pain that keeps you from work, exercise, or normal daily tasks.
You should seek urgent care or emergency care if you cannot move your hip or leg, cannot stand, or think you may have a broken bone.
Hip Pain Diagnosis & Evaluation
The first step in treating hip pain is finding the cause. During your visit, your orthopedic provider will talk with you about your symptoms, health history, activity level, and goals.
Your evaluation may include:
- A physical exam to assess strength, range of motion, balance, and pain points.
- X-rays to look at the bones, joint space, and hip alignment.
- MRI imaging to view cartilage, tendons, muscles, and labral tissue.
- CT scans when more detailed bone images are needed.
After your diagnosis, your provider will explain what is happening in clear terms. Then, we will work with you to build a treatment plan that fits your condition, lifestyle, and goals.
Nonsurgical Hip Pain Treatment
Many hip issues can be treated without surgery. Whenever possible, Iowa Specialty Orthopedics starts with nonsurgical care to help reduce pain, improve movement, and get you back to normal activity.
Nonsurgical hip treatments may include:
- Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the hip and improve flexibility.
- Medication to reduce pain and swelling.
- Activity changes to avoid movements that worsen symptoms.
- Steroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Braces, orthotics, canes, walkers, or other supports when needed.
- Home care guidance, such as rest, ice, and safe movement changes.
Nonsurgical care can be helpful for arthritis, bursitis, tendon pain, mild injuries, and some structural hip problems. Your provider will help you understand which options make sense for your condition.
Hip Surgery & Advanced Orthopedic Treatment
Surgery may be recommended if pain is severe, the hip is badly damaged, or nonsurgical treatments do not provide enough relief.
Our orthopedic hip surgeons offer advanced care for many hip conditions, including injuries, arthritis, and joint damage.
Surgical hip treatment options may include:
Total Hip Replacement Surgery
Total hip replacement, also called hip arthroplasty, replaces damaged bone and cartilage with an artificial joint. This may be recommended for severe arthritis, major joint damage, or pain that makes walking and daily movement difficult.
Hip Revision Surgery
Hip revision surgery repairs or replaces a previous hip implant. This may be needed if an implant becomes loose, worn, infected, or unstable.
Hip Fracture Surgery
A hip fracture often needs prompt treatment. Surgery may be used to repair or replace the damaged part of the hip, followed by rehabilitation to help restore strength and mobility.
Personalized Hip Care Close to Home
At Iowa Specialty Orthopedics, we focus on clear answers, practical treatment options, and care centered around your goals. If you need physical therapy, imaging, injections, or surgery, we help you understand each step of the process.
Our orthopedic team proudly serves patients in Fort Dodge, Mason City, Belmond, Garner, Clarion, and surrounding Iowa communities with expert care for hip pain, hip injuries, arthritis, and joint conditions.
Schedule an Orthopedic Hip Evaluation
You do not have to live with hip pain. If your hip hurts, feels stiff, limits your movement, or keeps you from daily activities, Iowa Specialty Orthopedics is here to help.
