You Can Get Relief for These 5 Painful Hip Conditions

You know how much chronic hip pain can impact your daily life. Fortunately, there are various treatment options available, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is one that addresses the root cause of your pain. 

At Dr. Stem Cell in Encino, California, board-certified regenerative medicine specialist Bruce Fishman, MD, MPH, FICS, uses the latest techniques to address orthopedic pain and help patients live better with less pain. Here, our experts explore how PRP therapy can provide relief from hip pain so you can function better.

5 conditions that cause chronic hip pain

A variety of conditions cause chronic hip pain, ranging from minor injuries to severe conditions. The following are five conditions most commonly associated with chronic hip pain.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. This degenerative disease is caused by wear-and-tear of the cartilage that cushions your joints, including your hips. Osteoarthritis typically causes pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the joint, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Bursitis

Bursitis is the inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the hip joint. In some cases, bursitis improves on its own. Chronically inflamed bursae can cause significant pain and tenderness in the hip.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is the inflammation of your tendons, which attach muscles to bones. Hip tendinitis is common, and the risk of developing the condition increases with age. 

Hip fractures

Hip fractures are most commonly seen in older adults and can cause severe pain and loss of mobility.

Hip impingement

Hip impingement occurs when the bones of the hip joint rub against each other, causing pain and damage to the joint.

If you’re experiencing chronic hip pain, it’s important to consult with a health care professional to determine the underlying cause of the pain and the best course of treatment.

What is PRP therapy?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy utilizes your body's natural healing properties to reduce pain and inflammation. It involves taking a sample of your blood, spinning it in a centrifuge to separate out the platelets from other blood components, and then injecting a concentration of platelets mixed with a small amount of plasma into the affected area. 

The body’s platelets contain growth factors that can help stimulate tissue repair and regeneration. When injected into the hip joint, PRP can ease inflammation and improve joint function.

PRP therapy: Effective for chronic hip pain

There is growing evidence to support the effectiveness of PRP therapy for chronic hip pain. A 2017 review of 16 studies found that PRP therapy significantly improved pain and function in patients with hip osteoarthritis. 

Another review published in 2021 in the journal Clinical Rheumatology found that PRP therapy was effective in reducing pain and improving hip function in patients with chronic hip pain conditions.

Dr. Fishman sees positive results in our office as well. Patients report less pain and stiffness and notice improvements in their daily functioning.

Benefits of PRP therapy for chronic hip pain

PRP therapy provides numerous benefits, including:

Minimally invasive

Dr. Fishman administers the PRP injections using a fine needle, making the procedure quick and relatively painless.

Lower risk of allergic reactions or infections

Because PRP therapy uses your own blood, there’s a lower risk of allergic reactions or infections. Most patients tolerate PRP therapy well.

Long-lasting pain relief

PRP therapy can provide long-lasting pain relief for patients with chronic hip pain. This is because the concentrated platelets and growth factors injected into the hip joint can promote healing, leading to sustained pain relief.

Improved joint function

In addition to reducing pain, PRP therapy can also improve joint function in patients with chronic hip pain. This can include increased range of motion, improved flexibility, and better overall mobility.

Reduced need for pain medication

Because PRP therapy can provide long-lasting pain relief, it may reduce the need for pain medication in some patients.

If you're living with chronic hip pain and looking for an effective treatment option that doesn’t just mask the pain, consider PRP therapy. To learn more and to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fishman, call our office or request an appointment through our website today.