Hip pain and conditions
Our expert surgeons identify the cause of your hip pain to provide premium, personalised care for the international patients. With International Elite Care, your hip condition is treated by specialist orthopaedic surgeons practising in France.
We provide a complete medical experience, from your initial consultation through to post-operative follow-up. Every aspect of your medical stay is carefully organised to ensure your comfort and complete peace of mind.
High-end clinics, partner hotels and suitable accommodation are available, with the option to be accompanied by a family member or companion. After you return to your home country, rigorous digital follow-up is provided. Our aim is to ensure seamless continuity of care and support optimal recovery.
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Dr. Thomas Ripoll
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Hip issues in athletes
Hip issues can develop as a result of intense sporting activity or trauma. Certain physically demanding occupations, such as (construction and manual handling), can also lead to occupational hip conditions.
In athletes, the hip is exposed to significant mechanical stress: repetitive movements, extreme ranges of motion, acceleration, changes of direction and impact. Over time, these demands can contribute to hip issues such as muscular imbalances, microtrauma or joint damage, potentially leading to symptoms such as pain, stiffness or reduced mobility.
Sport-related hip conditions include:
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is an abnormal contact between the femur and pelvis during certain movements. This condition can cause groin pain, stiffness and discomfort during sport, particularly in activities that place significant demands on the hip, including hockey, football, tennis, skiing, dance, combat sports.
Labral tears
The labrum is a flexible cartilage structure surrounding the hip joint that helps stabilise it. When damaged, it can cause deep pain and, in some cases, catching or locking. As the condition progresses, hip function and sporting performance may become increasingly affected.
Tendinopathies and bursitis
These conditions affect the tendons and structures surrounding the hip joint. Pain is often felt on the outside of the hip or in the groin. They can be triggered by overuse, intensive training or muscular imbalance. This may contribute to the development of a hip condition in young athletes, resulting in reduced hip efficiency and restricted movement.
Traumatic hip conditions in athletes
Following an accidental impact or fall, the hip can be affected suddenly, potentially resulting in conditions such as fractures or dislocation of the joint.
Managing sports-related or traumatic hip conditions
Management is based on an accurate assessment of the cause, the symptoms associated with the hip problem and the patient’s goals. It may include targeted conservative treatments or modern surgical techniques when indicated.
International Elite Care provides athletes with an expert, personalised approach: specialist diagnosis, minimally invasive techniques, a seamless care pathway and rigorous follow-up. The aim is to support a return to activity under the best possible conditions.
Symptoms of hip problems
Symptoms of hip problems candevelop over time depending on the condition. As a weight-bearing joint, the hip is subjected to mechanical demands with every step.
Over time, the cartilage within the joint can gradually wear down as a result of ageing, anatomy, previous injuries or repeated mechanical stress. This can lead to a painful hip, which may be exacerbated by:
- chronic or hormonal diseases,
- prolonged medical treatments, (particularly corticosteroids).
These symptoms of a hip problem may affect the quality of the bone and joint.
The most common degenerative hip conditions are hip osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis) and osteonecrosis of the femoral head.
Hip osteoarthritis may be associated with an undiagnosed congenital malformation. This abnormality is often asymptomatic until adulthood and may only become apparent when the joint begins to deteriorate. This is why it is often considered an adult hip condition, even when its underlying cause dates back much further.
How are degenerative hip conditions treated?
Treatment depends on the stage of the disease, the symptoms and the patient’s lifestyle. Whenever possible, treatment focuses on targeted conservative approaches, progressing to modern surgical solutions when symptoms become too severe.
International Elite Care provides expert, personalised care for degenerative hip conditions, with the aim of restoring mobility and quality of life over the long term.
Inflammatory hip disease: a specific case
Certain inflammatory rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis, cause chronic inflammation of the joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, these conditions are not caused by wear and tear, but by an immune system dysfunction that can affect the hip. Their progression can sometimes be gradual and silent.
Treating a hip affected by inflammatory disease requires symptoms to be controlled and relieved. When the hip is persistently affected and discomfort becomes significant, specialist orthopaedic management may be considered.
Hip joint pain: a common concern
Hip joint pain conditions in women are common due to the combination of several factors.
The female anatomy generally features a wider pelvis, which influences hip orientation and the distribution of mechanical forces during walking, sport and everyday activities. This configuration may contribute to joint impingement or excessive strain on the tendons.
Hormonal variations also play a role. Female hormones influence ligament flexibility and bone quality, particularly during key stages of life such as (pregnancy, the post-partum period, perimenopause and menopause). This may make the joint more vulnerable to wear or certain specific conditions.
Some hip conditions can also progress gradually and subtly, with moderate or intermittent pain in hip. This silent progression may delay consultation, allowing the condition to develop well before it is diagnosed.
The most common hip conditions in women include:
- hip osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis),
- lateral tendinopathies and bursitis,
- labral tears,
- osteonecrosis of the femoral head (less common).
Fortunately, these conditions can now be effectively diagnosed and treated when assessed by experienced specialists. Personalised management is essential for achieving the best possible outcomes.
This is why International Elite Care provides premium, tailored care for hip conditions in women.
Through expert assessment, our surgeons precisely identify the source of the hip paining and offer:
- conservative solutions whenever possible,
- modern, evidence-based surgical techniques when necessary,
- a premium care environment,
- comprehensive support, including follow-up after returning to your home country.
Every patient benefits from a smooth, reassuring and personalised care pathway, designed to support a comfortable and lasting return to mobility.
FAQ
Does hip pain necessarily mean osteoarthritis?
No. hip pain causes can vary, including tendon, muscular, joint-related or traumatic conditions. A specialist clinical examination with targeted imaging, provided by International Elite Care surgeons, can identify the precise cause.
Can I continue playing sport with a hip condition?
In many cases, yes, but adaptations may be necessary. It depends on the condition, its stage and the type of sport practised. Expert advice can help determine what can be done safely and prevent your hip issues symptoms from worsening.
When does surgery become necessary?
Surgery is considered only when conservative treatments are no longer sufficient or when the condition warrants surgery from the outset. The aim is to provide lasting pain relief and restore mobility under controlled and safe conditions.
Is it possible to obtain a medical opinion remotely?
Absolutely. International Elite Care offers pre-operative teleconsultations, allowing an initial review of your medical records, a specialist opinion and clear guidance before you travel.
How long should I plan to stay for surgical treatment?
The length of stay depends on the type of procedure and the recovery protocol. In most cases, a few days to one or two weeks is sufficient, with the stay optimised and organised in advance.
Is follow-up provided after I return to my country?
Yes. Structured, often digital, medical follow-up is arranged after your return. It ensures continuity of care, answers your questions and supports your recovery with complete peace of mind.
Ready to start your care journey?
International Elite Care provides specialist, personalised management of hip problems, from diagnosis through to treatment and post-operative follow-up. Our aim is to provide a seamless medical journey, wherever you live.