Experiencing hip pain often raises the question of which medical professional to consult. The general term for a doctor who specializes in hip problems is an orthopedic surgeon. These specialists focus on the entire musculoskeletal system, including the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Understanding the specific training and subspecialties within this field is key to finding the right expert.
The Primary Specialist for Hip Problems
The primary physician for treating hip conditions is an orthopedic surgeon, sometimes called an orthopedist. These doctors (M.D. or D.O.) complete four years of medical school followed by a five-year residency in orthopedic surgery. This extensive training enables them to diagnose and manage both traumatic injuries and chronic joint diseases. Their scope covers non-surgical treatments, such as medication and rehabilitation, as well as complex surgical interventions. Because the field is broad, patients with complicated hip issues often benefit from consulting a surgeon who has pursued additional, focused training.
Subspecialties in Hip Surgery
Highly specialized hip doctors often complete a fellowship, which is an extra year of advanced training after residency. The most common subspecialty is Adult Reconstruction, also known as Joint Replacement Surgery. These fellowship-trained surgeons focus on managing severely damaged joints, specializing in total hip arthroplasty (complete hip replacement) and complex revision surgeries. Another specific subspecialty is Hip Preservation, where surgeons maintain the natural hip joint through procedures like arthroscopy. This approach corrects conditions such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and labral tears.
Conditions Treated by a Hip Specialist
A hip specialist treats a wide array of conditions, ranging from degenerative diseases to acute traumatic injuries. The most frequent reason for consultation is osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition where cartilage wears away, leading to bone-on-bone friction and pain. Specialists also manage inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease. Hip doctors treat structural issues like Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI), which can lead to a labral tear (an injury to the stabilizing cartilage). Acute injuries such as hip fractures and overuse issues like bursitis (inflammation of fluid-filled sacs) are also frequently diagnosed and treated.
The Role of Non-Surgical Professionals
While orthopedic surgeons are the primary hip doctors, comprehensive care often involves a team of non-surgical professionals. A Primary Care Physician (PCP) is typically the first contact for hip pain, handling initial diagnosis, conservative management, and specialist referral. Physical Therapists (PTs) play a significant role in both non-surgical treatment and post-operative recovery. They develop personalized exercise programs focused on strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and restoring proper movement patterns. For inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, a Rheumatologist specializes in the diagnosis and long-term medical management of autoimmune and systemic joint diseases.