Hip pain treatment Phoenix

Expert Hip Pain Treatment in Phoenix, AZ

Hip pain can sneak up gradually — first as stiffness in the morning, then as an ache that limits how far you can walk, and eventually as something that changes the way you move through your whole day. Whether your hip pain is from arthritis, bursitis, or another source, Dr. Sobel offers a range of non-surgical options — including precise image-guided injections and PRP — that have helped many patients avoid hip replacement surgery and stay active.

Hip Pain vs. Referred Pain from the Back

Not all hip pain originates in the hip itself. Pain felt in the hip, groin, or buttock region can sometimes be referred from problems in the lower back, such as lumbar disc herniations, facet joint arthritis, or spinal stenosis. This is especially common when the L2, L3, or L4 nerve roots are affected. A thorough evaluation by Dr. Sobel helps distinguish true hip pathology from spine-related referred pain, ensuring you receive the right treatment for the actual source of your discomfort.

Hip Joint Pain

Hip joint pain typically presents as deep discomfort in the front of the hip or groin. Common causes include:

  • Labral Tears
    Damage to the ring of cartilage (labrum) that lines the hip socket may cause clicking, catching, or pain with hip movement.

  • Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)
    This mechanical mismatch between the femoral head and acetabulum can lead to early joint wear.

    • Cam impingement: Excess bone on the femoral head

    • Pincer impingement: Excess coverage of the acetabulum

    • Many patients have mixed-type impingement with features of both.

  • Hip Osteoarthritis
    A degenerative condition where cartilage wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. This often worsens with activity or prolonged sitting.

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome diagram

Femoral Acetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAIS)

Normal hip joint anatomy

Normal Hip Joint Anatomy

Lateral (Outside) Hip Pain

Pain on the outside of the hip, or greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), stems from irritation or degeneration in soft tissue structures such as:

  • Gluteus medius/minimus tendinopathy

  • Trochanteric bursitis- often times a secondary effect of a tendinopathy

  • Iliotibial band irritation

This condition is more common in active women, runners, and those with altered gait. Pain often worsens when lying on the affected side or climbing stairs.

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

  • Greater trochanteric pain syndrome lateral hip pain

    Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS)

    GTPS can be very debilitating for some people making it difficult to stand and walk and perform many daily activities that we take for granted

  • Trochanteric bursitis and gluteal tendon anatomy

    Three Main Causes of GTPS

    The pain can come from an inflamation of the bursa or the gluteus minimus and/or the gluteus medius tendon attachments

  • Physical therapy exercises for hip pain

    Physical Therapy is a Mainstay of Treatment

    Physical therapy plays an important role in the rehabilitation of gluteal tendinopathy and trochanteric bursitis

Learn More About Hip Pain

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

At Sobel Spine and Sports, we offer advanced non-operative solutions for hip pain, customized to the source of your discomfort:

  • Fluoroscopy-Guided Hip Joint Injections
    For intra-articular issues like labral tears or arthritis, Dr. Sobel performs precise cortisone or biologic injections using real-time x-ray guidance.

  • Ultrasound-Guided or Fluoroscopy-Guided Lateral Hip Injections
    Targeted treatment for GTPS using corticosteroid or regenerative injections to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

  • Physical Therapy
    Personalized programs focused on strengthening, mobility, gait retraining, and postural correction.

  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
    Biologic therapy using your body’s platelets to accelerate tissue repair and reduce pain in both joint and soft tissue injuries.

  • Activity Modification & Ergonomic Guidance
    Adjustments in training, posture, or daily movements to reduce strain and prevent flare-ups.

Early intervention with the right conservative treatment plan can help you avoid surgery and return to an active life.

Ready to take the next step toward hip pain relief?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jerry Sobelat Sobel Spine and Sports in Phoenix to receive a personalized, non-surgical treatment plan.

👉 Call 602-385-4160 now to schedule an appointment

What causes hip joint pain?
Common causes include labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), and osteoarthritis. These typically present as groin or anterior hip pain.
Can hip pain be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients respond well to non-operative care including image-guided injections, physical therapy, PRP, and activity modification.
Do you use imaging guidance for hip injections?
Yes. Dr. Sobel uses fluoroscopy (x-ray) for hip joint injections and either ultrasound or fluoroscopy for lateral hip injections, ensuring precision and safety.
How is lateral hip pain different from joint pain?
Lateral hip pain typically arises from soft tissues like tendons or bursae, whereas joint-related pain usually stems from structural issues within the hip socket.