Chronic Hip Pain

Chronic hip pain refers to persistent discomfort in or around the hip joint that lasts for weeks or months and interferes with daily activities. The pain may be felt deep in the joint, along the outer hip, in the groin, buttock, or upper thigh, and can range from a dull ache to sharp or burning pain.
Unlike short-term pain caused by injury or overuse, chronic hip pain often develops gradually and may worsen over time. It can affect walking, standing, sitting, sleeping, and overall mobility. Many patients notice stiffness after rest, limited range of motion, or pain that increases with activity.
Chronic hip pain may result from joint wear, inflammation, muscle or tendon strain, nerve irritation, or reduced blood flow to the tissues surrounding the hip. In some cases, circulation-related inflammation plays a role in ongoing pain that does not respond well to traditional treatments alone.
Identifying the underlying cause of chronic hip pain is essential for effective treatment. Early evaluation can help reduce discomfort, improve movement, and prevent further joint or tissue damage.
At Heart, Vascular & Leg Center, Vinod Kumar, MD, FACC, and his expert team use advanced diagnostic tools to identify the source of your hip pain and offer targeted, minimally invasive treatments. Schedule your consultation today.

Symptoms of Chronic Hip Pain

Chronic hip pain can develop gradually or appear after an injury, and symptoms often worsen with activity or long periods of sitting or standing. Common signs include:

  • Aching or Sharp Pain in the Hip Joint: Pain may be felt on the inside of the hip, the outer thigh, the groin, or the buttock.
  • Stiffness and Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty bending, rotating, or lifting the leg—especially after rest.
  • Pain That Worsens With Activity: Walking, climbing stairs, standing for long periods, or exercising may increase discomfort.
  • Groin Pain: A common sign of hip joint arthritis or labral issues.
  • Clicking, Popping, or Catching Sensations: These sounds or sensations may occur when moving the hip.
  • Weakness or Instability: The hip may feel like it could “give out” during movement.
  • Pain at Night or Difficulty Sleeping: Lying on the affected side or certain sleeping positions can worsen symptoms.
  • Radiating Pain: Pain may spread to the thigh, buttock, lower back, or knee—making it harder to pinpoint the source.
  • Swelling or Tenderness: The hip area may feel tender to the touch or mildly swollen.
  • Limping or Changes in Walking Pattern: Chronic pain often alters gait, which can worsen the condition over time.

Causes of Chronic Hip Pain

Chronic hip pain can result from a combination of joint, muscle, nerve, and circulation-related issues. Common causes include:

  • Osteoarthritis: Gradual wear and tear of the hip joint cartilage
  • Hip Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip
  • Tendonitis or Muscle Strain: Overuse or repetitive motion injuries
  • Labral Tears: Damage to the cartilage surrounding the hip socket
  • Previous Hip Injuries or Surgery: Which may accelerate degeneration
  • Poor Posture or Gait Abnormalities: Causing uneven stress on the joint
  • Excess Body Weight: Increasing pressure on the hip joint
  • Nerve Compression: Such as sciatica or lumbar spine issues
  • Inflammatory Conditions: Including rheumatoid arthritis or gout

In some patients, pain persists despite treating these factors—suggesting another underlying cause.

How Chronic Hip Pain Can Be a Vascular Condition

Chronic hip pain is not always purely orthopedic. In many cases, vascular inflammation and reduced blood flow play an important role. The hip joint and surrounding muscles rely on a healthy blood supply to deliver oxygen and nutrients needed for tissue repair.
When circulation is impaired—due to vascular disease, inflammation, diabetes, or microvascular dysfunction—healing slows and inflammation persists. This can lead to:

  • Ongoing joint and muscle inflammation
  • Stiffness and reduced mobility
  • Pain that does not improve with rest or therapy
  • Slower recovery after injury or activity

This vascular component helps explain why some patients continue to experience hip pain despite physical therapy, medications, or injections. Identifying and treating circulation-related contributors can be key to achieving long-term relief.

Schedule an Appointment

Book your appointment with Heart Vascular & Leg Center
today for personalized care and advanced treatment.

Treatments for Chronic Hip Pain

At Heart, Vascular & Leg Center, treatment focuses on relieving pain, improving mobility, and addressing both structural and circulatory causes. Your personalized care plan may include:

  • Advanced diagnostic imaging to identify joint and vascular contributors
  • Anti-inflammatory or pain-relief medications when appropriate
  • Physical therapy and guided exercise to strengthen supporting muscles
  • Activity and lifestyle modifications to reduce joint strain
  • Injection therapies to reduce localized inflammation
  • Circulation-focused treatments when vascular inflammation contributes to pain
  • Management of underlying conditions such as diabetes or vascular disease
  • Targeted Arterial Microembolization for the Hip (TAME): an outpatient, minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve chronic hip pain by blocking tiny abnormal blood vessels contributing to inflammation

By addressing the full picture, not just the joint, we help patients achieve better pain control, improved movement, and a higher quality of life.

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Leading Vascular Care Experts

Dr. Vinod Kumar, MD, FACC

Dr. Newton Phuong, MD

Dr. Mark Le, MD

Gerardo Murguia, PA-C

Elsita Mathew, FNP-C

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Bakersfield, CA 93309

Schedule an Appointment with Heart Vascular and Leg Center

If you’re experiencing symptoms of vascular disease or are at risk for conditions like PAD, don’t wait to seek care. Schedule an appointment with Heart Vascular and Leg Center today. Our specialists will assess your condition and guide you toward the most effective treatment options—whether it’s lifestyle modifications, medication, or advanced minimally invasive procedures. Your vascular health is our priority, and we’re here to help you regain comfort, mobility, and confidence. To learn more about our expert care in Bakersfield, CA, or to get started with our team, reach out today.

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