Introduction:
Persistent hip pain can be frustrating. It can make simple activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even sitting for long periods uncomfortable. For many, the first line of treatment such as rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or steroid injections may bring only temporary relief. If your hip pain lingers, it is worth exploring treatment options that go deeper than symptom management.
Fortunately, advances in minimally invasive procedures now provide alternatives that address the root cause of hip pain, often with shorter recovery times and less risk compared to traditional surgery.
Across the Triangle and surrounding North Carolina communities, patients are increasingly seeking long-lasting, non-surgical solutions.
Common Causes of Chronic Hip Pain:
Chronic hip pain can result from several conditions. Osteoarthritis, which is gradual wear and tear of the hip joint cartilage, often causes stiffness and discomfort. Labral tears, or damage to the cartilage around the hip socket, may result in sharp pain or a catching sensation in the joint. Tendinitis and bursitis involve inflammation of tendons or fluid filled sacs that cushion the joint. Hip impingement, also called FAI (FemoroAcetabular Impingement), occurs when the hip bones make abnormal contact, gradually damaging cartilage and tissue. Pain can also be referred from the lower back or pelvis, making the hip the area where discomfort is felt most.
Understanding the underlying cause of your hip pain is essential to selecting the right treatment plan.
Why Steroid Injections Aren’t Always Enough?
Steroid injections are commonly used to reduce inflammation and ease pain. For some patients, they provide short term relief and improved mobility. However, steroids do not repair damaged cartilage, tendons, or joint structures. As a result, many people experience only temporary improvement before symptoms return.
Repeated steroid use may also carry risks, particularly when underlying degeneration or structural issues remain unaddressed. When pain continues despite injections, it often signals the need for more advanced treatment options.
Image-Guided Treatment Options:
Advanced interventional procedures can selectively treat inflamed tissue while preserving the joint. Benefits include:
- No surgery
- Minimal downtime
- Targeted treatment
Minimally Invasive Treatment Options
Advances in image-guided medicine now allow chronic hip pain are being treated without open surgery. Minimally invasive procedures focus on reducing inflammation at its source while preserving the natural structure of the foot.
These outpatient treatments are performed using small catheters and advanced imaging, does not require any incisions other than a needle stick, and typically involve minimal recovery time. Many patients are able to walk immediately after the procedure and return to normal activities much sooner than with surgical intervention.
Who is a good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate if:
- Hip pain persists despite steroid gel injections
- Surgery is not desired
- Daily activities are limited
A comprehensive evaluation is essential to determine which treatment is appropriate based on the cause of pain, activity level, and overall health.
Expert Care in North Carolina
Champion Health System provides advanced hip pain evaluation and treatment for patients in Raleigh, Durham, Dunn, Oxford, and Henderson.
Our team focuses on identifying the true source of pain and providing personalized, image guided care. With a commitment to minimally invasive solutions and patient centered treatment plans, Champion Health System helps individuals regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and return to daily activities with confidence.
Schedule a Consultation
If hip pain is limiting your mobility, there may be options beyond nerve ablation, steroid injections and surgery.
