Hip arthritis, labral tears, impingement, bursitis and fractures. Learn what’s behind your hip pain and the options to treat it.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nicolás Zarur · Updated October 2026
Hip pain can make walking, sitting or sleeping difficult at any age. In young athletes it’s often a labral tear or impingement; after 50, arthritis is the most common cause. Knowing exactly where the pain comes from is the key to treating it well.
Wear of the joint cartilage that causes pain, stiffness and loss of motion.
Injury to the ring of cartilage around the socket, common in athletes and dancers.
An abnormal bone shape causes friction in the joint and damages the labrum and cartilage.
Inflammation on the outside of the hip that hurts when walking or lying on your side.
Loss of blood supply to the head of the femur, which can collapse the joint.
Breaks after a fall, more common in older adults, that need urgent treatment.
Dr. Zarur examines how your hip moves and, when needed, orders X-rays or an MRI. He also checks whether the pain really comes from the hip or from the lower back, which is a common source of confusion.
Non-surgical
Physical therapy, activity changes, weight control, medication and injections.
Arthroscopy
Minimally invasive surgery for labral tears and impingement in active patients without advanced arthritis.
Replacement
Total hip replacement for advanced arthritis or necrosis, to walk without pain again.
Fracture surgery
Fixation or replacement for hip fractures, ideally within the first hours or days.
Pain in the groin usually comes from the hip. Pain in the buttock or down the leg may come from the lower back. Dr. Zarur’s exam helps tell them apart.
Many improve with physical therapy and activity changes. When pain persists, especially in active patients, arthroscopy can repair the labrum.
When pain limits your daily life and other treatments no longer help. The decision depends on your symptoms, not only on the X-ray.
Yes, in moderation. Low-impact activity like walking, swimming or cycling helps keep the joint moving and the muscles strong.
Yes. Our Tijuana office is minutes from San Diego, and we offer remote review of your X-rays or MRI before you travel.
Book a visit in Tijuana or Mexico City, or send us your X-rays or MRI for a remote review.
Get a clear diagnosis and honest options. We reply within one business day.
Trusted by Champions
Former President of the Mexican Football Federation’s Medical Commission and team physician for Cruz Azul, Morelia, Veracruz and Frontón México.
