Hip Pain After 40 – Not Always Arthritis: Dr. Balaraju Naidu, Robotic Orthopedic Surgeon, ONUS ROBOTIC HOSPITALS

Introduction

Many people over the age of 40 start to experience hip discomfort — a dull ache while walking, stiffness when getting up, or sharp pain after exercise.
The immediate assumption? “It must be arthritis.”

But here’s the truth — hip pain after 40 is not always due to arthritis.
As an orthopedic specialist, I’ve seen several cases where hip pain is caused by muscle imbalance, tendon inflammation, nerve irritation, or even referred pain from the spine.

Understanding the real cause of hip pain is essential — because the right diagnosis leads to faster, lasting recovery.

Common Causes of Hip Pain After 40 (Other Than Arthritis)

1. Bursitis – The Hidden Inflammation

The hip joint has small fluid-filled sacs called bursae that cushion muscles and bones.
With age, overuse, or prolonged sitting, these bursae can get inflamed — a condition known as Trochanteric Bursitis.

Symptoms: Outer hip pain, tenderness, pain when lying on one side.
Often confused with: Osteoarthritis, because both cause pain while walking or climbing stairs.

2. Muscle Imbalance and Weak Glutes

A sedentary lifestyle, prolonged sitting, or lack of core strength often leads to weak gluteal and hip stabilizer muscles.
When these muscles are weak, other muscles overcompensate — leading to strain and pain around the hip and lower back.

Symptoms: Pain during prolonged standing or walking, difficulty balancing, dull ache after sitting long hours.

3. Tendonitis – Overuse Injury

Hip tendons (especially iliopsoas or hamstring tendons) can become irritated due to repetitive movement or sudden increase in physical activity.

Symptoms: Pain during movement, clicking sound in the hip, tenderness in the groin area.

4. Nerve-Related Pain – The Silent Culprit

Sometimes hip pain originates from the lower back (lumbar spine) or nerve compression such as sciatica or meralgia paresthetica.

Symptoms: Burning or tingling sensation, radiating pain to thigh or knee, numbness.

5. Hip Labral Tear

The labrum is a cartilage ring that cushions the hip socket. With age or injury, this can tear.

Symptoms: Sharp groin pain, clicking sensation, limited range of motion.

Needs: MRI diagnosis and early orthopedic evaluation.

How Arthritis Differs from Other Causes

While arthritis (especially osteoarthritis) is a degenerative joint disease, it typically presents with:

Morning stiffness that improves with movement
Deep groin or buttock pain
Pain that worsens with weather changes
Reduced joint space on X-ray

However, inflammation, muscle strain, or nerve pain can mimic arthritis — which is why self-diagnosis or painkillers are not the solution.

Modern Diagnostic Approach

At ONUS Robotic Hospitals, we use advanced diagnostic tools to identify the root cause of hip pain:

Digital X-rays and MRI scans for bone and soft tissue evaluation
Dynamic gait analysis to check muscle imbalance
Ultrasound for bursitis or tendonitis
Robotic precision and imaging for pre-surgical planning when needed

This ensures that you get a clear, accurate diagnosis — not a guess.

Treatment Options Beyond Surgery

For most cases, hip pain after 40 can be treated without surgery:
✅ Physiotherapy: Strengthening hip and core muscles to correct imbalance.
✅ Posture correction & ergonomic advice: Especially for office workers.
✅ Anti-inflammatory medications or injections: For bursitis or tendonitis.
✅ Weight management & diet guidance: To reduce hip joint load.
✅ Targeted rehabilitation programs: Designed by orthopedic specialists at ONUS.

When Surgery Becomes Necessary

If conservative treatment fails or if there’s a structural issue (like labral tear or advanced arthritis), robotic-assisted hip replacement offers unmatched precision and recovery speed.
Under the guidance of Dr. Balaraju Naidu, ONUS Robotic Hospitals ensures:

Minimal incision
Faster recovery
Natural joint movement restoration
Early return to daily activities

Dr. Balaraju Naidu’s Expert Insight

“After 40, the body starts to show the effects of posture, work habits, and muscle use.
Many patients come thinking it’s arthritis, but often, it’s something reversible.
The key is early diagnosis, personalized care, and movement-focused recovery.”
– Dr. Balaraju Naidu, Robotic Orthopedic Surgeon, ONUS Robotic Hospitals

Takeaway Message

If you’re above 40 and experiencing hip pain — don’t ignore it, and don’t assume it’s arthritis.
Get evaluated early. With today’s technology and advanced orthopedic care, most hip conditions can be managed effectively without major surgery.

🔔 Takeaway

An ACL or meniscus tear is not the end of your athletic journey — but early diagnosis and the right treatment make all the difference.
If you experience persistent knee pain, swelling, or instability, visit ONUS Robotic Hospitals for a comprehensive orthopedic evaluation.

Your movement matters — let’s get you back in action.