Hip & Groin Conditions & Treatments | Dr. Stewart
Hip & Groin Care

Hip & Groin
Conditions

Dr. Stewart treats a full range of hip and groin conditions — from early-stage impingement and labral tears to advanced arthritis and joint replacement. Understanding your diagnosis is the first step toward the right treatment plan.

Hip & groin symptoms

Groin pain Hip pain Buttock pain Thigh pain Instability Catching or clicking Referred knee pain

Hip & groin conditions we treat

Explore each condition to learn about symptoms and related care. Similar symptoms can have different causes; an evaluation helps determine which treatment fits your diagnosis.

FAI occurs when the ball and socket of the hip joint don't fit together properly, causing abnormal friction and pressure with movement. Over time this damages the cartilage and labrum, leading to pain and progressive dysfunction. Dr. Stewart has published peer-reviewed research on FAI in collaboration with UW-Eau Claire and has been treating it arthroscopically since 2000.

Deep groin painPain with flexionReduced range of motionLabral damage
Common treatment: Hip Arthroscopy

The labrum is a ring of cartilage lining the hip socket that keeps the ball firmly in place. Tears cause deep hip and groin pain, a catching or locking sensation, and instability. They are commonly caused by FAI, trauma, or repetitive motion.

Catching sensationGroin painInstability
Common treatment: Hip Arthroscopy

The most common form of hip arthritis. Cartilage wears away over time, leaving bones to rub together. Pain develops gradually, worsens with weight-bearing activity, and is typically felt in the groin, thigh, and buttock.

Groin painMorning stiffnessPain with walking
Common treatment: Hip Replacement

Occurs when blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted, causing bone tissue to die. If left untreated, the joint surface collapses. Can result from steroid use, excessive alcohol, trauma, or occur without a clear cause.

Groin or hip painPain at restLimited range of motion
Common treatment: Hip Replacement

The hip abductor tendons stabilize the pelvis during walking. Inflammation or tearing causes significant lateral hip pain and a Trendelenburg gait (limping). This can be often misdiagnosed as bursitis. Typically this is treated surgically when conservative care fails.

Lateral hip painLimping gaitWeakness
Common treatment: Abductor Tendon Repair

Inflammation of the tendons attached to the ischial tuberosity (the sitting bone) at the base of the pelvis. Common in athletes and active patients, causing deep buttock pain that worsens with sitting, running, or bending forward.

Deep buttock painPain when sittingHamstring tightness
Common treatment: Injection / PRP or chronic cases may require surgery

A break in the upper portion of the femur near the hip joint. Most commonly caused by falls in older adults or high-energy trauma in younger patients. Requires urgent evaluation and often surgical treatment to restore function.

Severe hip painInability to bear weightLeg rotation
Common treatment: Surgical Repair

A rare, self-limiting condition characterized by sudden onset hip pain and temporary bone loss in the femoral head. Most common in middle-aged men and women in late pregnancy. MRI is essential for diagnosis.

Sudden hip painPain with weight-bearingNo prior injury
Common treatment: Conservative / Monitoring

Hip replacements can fail due to loosening of components, wear, dislocation, or fracture around the implant. Revision surgery is complex but often necessary to relieve pain and restore mobility.

Recurring hip painInstabilityPrior hip replacement
Common treatment: Revision Surgery

Periprosthetic joint infection is a serious complication of hip replacement surgery. Symptoms include increasing pain, warmth, swelling, and fever. Requires prompt diagnosis and typically staged surgical treatment with antibiotics.

Pain after replacementSwellingFever or chills
Common treatment: Revision / Debridement

Common treatment options for hip & groin conditions

Your diagnosis, joint health, and goals guide the choice of treatment. Options offered by Dr. Stewart include:

PRP & corticosteroid injections

Discuss whether an injection is appropriate for your condition and what benefits and limitations to expect.

Review nonsurgical options →

Total hip replacement

Replacement of damaged joint surfaces. Options include OrthoGrid AI guidance and bilateral replacement for appropriate patients.

Explore hip replacement →

Finding the right care for your hip

Dr. Stewart reviews your symptoms, imaging, health history, and goals before recommending a treatment plan.

Bring information about previous imaging and treatments, and describe which activities are difficult. Use your visit to ask about care without surgery, whether a procedure is appropriate, and what recovery may involve.

Compare all treatment options →

Common hip questions

What is a hip replacement?

Hip replacement removes arthritic bone surfaces and damaged cartilage, then replaces them with prosthetic parts designed to recreate smooth hip motion and reduce pain.

Who should consider hip replacement?

Hip replacement may be considered when arthritis limits walking, bending, rest, leg motion, or everyday activity. Surgery is generally discussed after careful diagnosis and when medications, injections, physical therapy, or other conservative care do not provide enough relief.

How long is recuperation?

Recovery varies by patient. Many people resume light daily activities within three to six weeks, while full recovery may take three to six months. Some discomfort with activity or at night can be normal for several weeks. Follow your prescribed exercise and home-care plan closely.

See all frequently asked questions →

Take the next step for your hip & groin pain.

Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Stewart and his orthopedic team to better understand your diagnosis and next steps.