Hip Pain Knowledge Hub
Are you suffering from relentless hip pain?
Our knowledge hub will help you assess what might be causing your hip pain, treatment options, and when to consider a hip replacement. Take the next step towards a more active, pain-free and mobile life.
Hip Pain - Knowledge Hub
Causes, Treatments & When to Consider Surgery
If hip pain is limiting your movement, affecting your sleep, or stopping you from enjoying everyday life, you’re not alone.
Understand what might be causing your hip pain, what your treatment options are, and when it may be time to consider a hip replacement.
Not sure where to begin?
Choose the option that best describes how you feel:
1
"I have hip pain but I don’t know why"
Start with understanding common causes of hip pain.
Am I ready for a hip replacement?
Determining if hip replacement surgery is appropriate involves assessing various factors related to the hip pain you are experiencing, function and overall health. A hip replacement might be necessary if persistent hip pain.
- Pain affecting sleep
- Limited mobility
- Daily activities impacted
Take the Hip Replacement Suitability Assessment »
1. I have hip pain, but I don’t know why…
The early signs that you might need a hip replacement often start subtly and gradually worsen over time. Many patients initially put these symptoms down to “just getting older” or a minor injury—but there are some clear indicators to watch for.
Most people don’t go from “fine” to needing a hip replacement overnight.
It’s usually a slow decline eg. pain → stiffness → reduced mobility → lifestyle impact.
Catching it early gives you more options (physio, injections, lifestyle changes), and helps you plan the right time for surgery if needed.
are you Thinking about paying for your hip surgery via finance?
Apply for 0% finance today!
Through the Nuffield Hospital and Chrysalis Finance, we are pleased to offer flexible finance options for you to pay for your surgery in 6, 10 or 12 interest-free monthly instalments (representative 0% APR). Longer-term payment options are also available at 14.9% APR* with no added costs or admin fees. Once you know the price of your treatment, you can calculate your monthly payments on the Chrysalis Finance website.What could be causing your hip pain?
Hip pain can develop gradually or suddenly, and the cause isn’t always obvious. Here are some of the most common hip conditions we treat:
Osteoarthritis of the Hip
Wear and tear of the joint cartilage leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement.
→ [Learn more about hip osteoarthritis]
Hip Bursitis
Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs around the joint, often causing sharp or aching pain on the outside of the hip.
→ [Learn more about hip bursitis]
Labral Tears
Damage to the cartilage rim of the hip socket, often causing clicking, catching, or instability.
→ [Learn more about labral tears]
Hip Dysplasia
A structural issue where the hip socket doesn’t fully cover the joint, leading to instability and early arthritis.
→ [Learn more about hip dysplasia]
total hip replacement surgery Process
Wondering what happens the the hip replacement process? This short video details what you can expect.
In total hip replacement surgery, both the ball and socket portions of the joint can be replaced with artificial components made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials.
2. I want to explore treatment options
![Total Hip Replacement Surgery - 5 Deciding Factors [+ Recovery Recommendations] | David Stitson Orthopaedic Surgeon | Plymouth](https://orthopaedicsplymouth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DJS-Blog-1-5-Deciding-Factors.jpeg "Hip Pain Knowledge Hub | Mr David Stitson | CONSULTANT ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON | Plymouth")
What are your options for treating hip pain?
Not all hip pain requires surgery. In many cases, symptoms can be managed with non-surgical treatments first.
Non-Surgical Hip Treatments
- Physiotherapy
- Activity modification
- Pain managemen
- Anti-inflammatory medication
Injection Therapy
- Targeted injections can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
Hip Arthroscopy
- A minimally invasive procedure used to treat certain conditions such as labral tears.
Hip Replacement Surgery
- A highly effective solution for severe arthritis or joint damage, designed to relieve pain and restore mobility
3. I think I may need a hip replacement
Is your hip pain affecting your quality of life?
You may benefit from a specialist consultation with David Stitson if:
✔ Pain is persistent and worsening
✔ You struggle with walking, stairs, or daily activities
✔ Pain is affecting your sleep
✔ Non-surgical treatments are no longer helping
Take our quick self-assessment »
YOUR TREATMENT JOURNEY
What to expect from consultation to recovery. Understanding the process can make your decision much easier.
1. Initial Consultation
A detailed assessment of your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.
2. Diagnosis
Clinical examination and imaging (e.g. X-ray or MRI if required).
3. Personalised Treatment Plan
Clear, tailored recommendations based on your condition.
4. Treatment or Surgery
If surgery is needed, you’ll receive full guidance and support.
5. Recovery & Rehabilitation
A structured recovery plan to help you return to normal life as quickly as possible.
WHY CHOOSE DAVID STITSON FOR YOUR HIP REPLACEMENT?
QUALIFIED CONSULTANT SURGEON
From your initial consultation, through to diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare, you can be confident Mr Stitson will provide you with the best skills and expertise ensuring that you receive the most appropriate and individually tailored surgical or non-surgical solution to ensure the best outcome possible.
DELIGHTED PATIENTS
"Mr Stitson is the most professional surgeon. He is not only professional but also very kind. He takes his time to explain the procedure and what will happen and I can honestly say he has changed my life. I cannot thank him enough."
EXTENSIVE MEDICAL EXPERIENCE
Mr Stitson has developed his extensive experience as a knee replacement and hip replacement surgeon through his 20+ years of practice. He is a member of the British Orthopaedic Association and remains a member of the Combined Services Orthopaedic Society.
EASY APPOINTMENTS
Booking a consultation is easy; simply send a message to request an appointment using the online form or you can enquire by email: enquiries@orthopaedicsplymouth.co.uk or phone: 01752 761818.
“Mr Stitson assesses, diagnoses and treats more than 2000 patients every year and will ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis together with considered advice and options enabling you to make a fully informed decision before proceeding with your treatment.”
WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY...
Mr David Stitson is in Private Practice at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital, Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8BG.
He accepts new patient referrals directly from patients, via GP referral, on recommendation from your private medical insurer or via other practitioners including physiotherapists, Osteopaths or chiropractors.
Please do get in touch with us to enquire about an appointment or a procedure.