A sore hip after a long walk on the beach or a busy weekend in the garden usually settles with rest. Pain that lingers for weeks is different. It can make you dread the stairs, shift your weight when you stand, and wake you when you roll over at night. Here is how to tell when persistent hip pain calls for a hip surgeon, and what an evaluation in Naples involves.
Why Persistent Hip Pain Deserves a Closer Look
Hip pain does not always show up directly over the hip. Problems inside the joint are often felt most in the groin, while pain on the outer hip, upper thigh, or buttock may come from the muscles, tendons, and bursae around it. Hip pain can even begin in your lower back.1 Pinpointing where your hip pain sits is the first step toward the right treatment.
With osteoarthritis of the hip, the cartilage cushioning the ball and socket gradually wears away, and pain and stiffness may be worse in the morning or after sitting.2 Tenderness over the outer hip, often worse when you lie on that side, may point to greater trochanteric pain syndrome, a group of conditions that includes trochanteric bursitis and gluteal tendon problems.3
Signs It Is Time to See a Hip Surgeon
Rest, ice, and over the counter pain relievers help many mild flares. Schedule an evaluation when:
- Your hip still hurts after a week of home treatment1
- You start limping or have trouble with stairs or your normal stride1
- Pain limits everyday tasks such as walking, bending, or putting on shoes2,4
- Pain continues while you rest, during the day or at night4
- Medication, physical therapy, or walking supports no longer give you enough relief4
When to Seek Care Right Away
Get emergency care if your hip pain follows a serious fall or injury, if your leg looks deformed or badly bruised, or if you cannot move your hip or bear weight on your leg.1 These can be signs of a hip fracture, which needs prompt treatment.
What Happens at Your Hip Evaluation in Naples
At our Naples office, your visit begins with where you feel the pain, when it started, and what makes it worse. A physical examination checks your range of motion, tenderness, strength, and the way you walk. X-rays show the joint space and any bone spurs, and an MRI or CT scan is occasionally needed for a closer look at bone and soft tissue.2
Bringing prior X-rays, MRI reports, and your medication list to your first visit helps us see the full picture sooner. A short questionnaire on whether you are a candidate for joint replacement surgery can also help you organize your thoughts before you arrive.
Treatment Often Starts Without Surgery
Seeing a hip surgeon does not mean you are headed for surgery. Early treatment of hip osteoarthritis is usually nonsurgical, and national guidelines strongly recommend exercise for hip and knee osteoarthritis, along with weight loss when you are carrying extra weight.2,5 A guided program of physical therapy for the hip and targeted hip strengthening exercises can improve flexibility and make daily activities easier.
For outer hip pain, targeted physiotherapy has shown strong long term results; in one study cited in a recent review, 60.5% of participants reported symptom resolution at 15 months.3 When you need faster relief, trochanteric bursa injections deliver medicine directly to the painful area, and corticosteroid injections can offer short term relief while you build strength.3 For pain inside the joint, ultrasound guided hip injections place an anesthetic and steroid precisely to ease pain and inflammation.
When Hip Replacement Becomes the Conversation
If arthritis still limits your life despite these measures, hip replacement may be the next step. The decision is based on your pain and disability rather than your age, and we evaluate your hip individually.4 Most hip replacements are performed in adults between 50 and 80 years old, yet the procedure has been done successfully at all ages.4
We offer total hip replacement, including the direct anterior approach, which reaches the hip joint without cutting through major muscles or tendons. Together we weigh the options that fit your joint, health, and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should hip pain last before you see a specialist?
If your hip still hurts after about a week of home care, have it checked.1
Does groin pain mean your hip joint is the problem?
Groin pain often points to a problem inside the hip joint, such as arthritis. Outer hip or buttock pain may come from surrounding tendons, bursae, or your lower back.1
Can hip pain improve without surgery?
Yes, many cases improve with nonsurgical care. Exercise, physical therapy, weight management, and injections usually come first, with surgery considered when these no longer control your pain.2,5
Am I too young or too old for hip replacement?
There is no strict age limit for hip replacement. Recommendations are based on your pain and disability, and we evaluate your situation individually.4
Where can I see a hip surgeon near Fort Myers or Bonita Springs, FL?
Our office is at the Orthopedic Center of Florida, 3530 Kraft Road, Suite 201, in Naples. We welcome you from Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and nearby communities across Collier and Lee County.
Taking the Next Step Toward a More Comfortable Hip
Persistent hip pain does not have to become your normal. A focused evaluation can pinpoint the cause and start you on the simplest effective treatment. When you are ready, you can request an appointment at our Naples office and we will help you plan your next steps.
References
- MedlinePlus. Hip pain. A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. National Library of Medicine; reviewed 2025.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Osteoarthritis of the Hip. OrthoInfo.
- Gill JK, Neal-Smith G, Saed A, Burgan A, Fernquest S. Management of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 2025;17(6):e85859.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Total Hip Replacement. OrthoInfo.
- Kolasinski SL, Neogi T, Hochberg MC, et al. 2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip, and Knee. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2020;72(2):149-162.
About
Courtney Bell, M.D. is a board certified orthopedic surgeon and hip and knee joint replacement specialist at the Orthopedic Center of Florida in Naples, FL. She earned her medical degree and completed her orthopedic surgery residency at Oregon Health & Science University, then a fellowship in Adult Reconstruction at The Rothman Orthopedic Institute. Her care includes the direct anterior approach for hip replacement and fracture care for Naples, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and surrounding communities.
