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Hip

Our board-certified orthopedic hip surgeons have extensive experience in every option for operative and non-operative care to identify the best treatment options for you.
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Why is my hip stiff?
Hip arthritis (or inflammation of the joint) can result in swelling within the joint or the development of bone spurs. These phenomena will impede motion within the hip joint and eventually lead to stiffness.
Why does it hurt in my groin?
Hip problems often manifest as groin pain. The hip joint can also be felt in the deep buttock or side.
Why does my thigh or knee hurt?
Hip pain frequently radiates down the thigh and even into the knee.
Why can’t I sleep on my side?
Side pain exacerbated by pressure (such as side sleeping) can be an indication of bursitis rather than arthritis.
Why can’t I put on my shoes and socks anymore?
Hip arthritis often results in loss of motion at the joint, making it difficult to perform tasks requiring hip rotation.

Clarity First

Meet with an orthopedic specialist and leave with a clear plan—often starting with the simplest effective options.

Convenient Outpatient Options

When surgery is the right step, we offer accredited outpatient surgery center options designed for efficiency and patient comfort at lower cost than hospital settings.

Patient Success Stories

Christine C. – Hip Surgery
Dorothy T. – Hip Replacement

Sharon B.

My world's a little brighter and my right hip feels awesome.

Priscilla M.

Thank you for your care of my husband. He has had a couple tough years pain-wise, and I'm relieved to see him with such good results. I can relate because I've had both hips replaced in the early 2000s. It was day and night results.

Brad E.

Dr. Aric Christal, I want to thank you again for your expert skill in my hip surgery. One week after the work was done, I am feeling great and it is quite the relief. You are a very kind and compassionate doctor. And a great guy, too!

My thanks, Art B.

My daily routine is smooth. I am able to walk, hike, and bike for several hours without discomfort. I can also swim without any discomfort or loss of motion. Both my overall health and quality of life have greatly improved now that I can do the activities that I enjoy without pain or the anticipation of discomfort.

A Guy with a Great New Hip

I had a total replacement of my right hip performed by Dr. Aric Christal and his team, and then spent one night recovering at the Swedish Hospital in Edmonds, WA. I have had a number of surgeries in my 71 years, often with hospital stays involved and this experience was clearly one of the best ever. Dr. Christal's talent, expertise, and caring were paramount in that experience. I was also very impressed by the extensive pre-op education and information provided by his 40+ page SwiftPath guide and the two-hour slide presentation. I have never experienced anything approaching that level of valuable medical preparation. I especially appreciated how the publication and presentation detailed the major areas of possible complications, such as infection, and then went on to detail the numerous steps that had been taken to mitigate those problems. Please note also that Dr. Christal's colleagues, Katelynn and Connie, were very patient and thoughtful in my dealing with them. My post-op recuperative care given by the people at Swedish in Edmonds was truly on a par with Dr. Christal's expertise. My RNS, Fran and FeAlma, were both great, very thoughtful and caring. Fe was especially good at explaining every med given. My CNAs, Asme, Marcy, Kachi and Sabrina, were all unfailingly kind, caring, and often even funny. The physical therapist, Stephanie, was also excellent. I'm sure that all involved must be proud of the good work they do, but it is my humble observation that each and every one of them definitely should be. It must be humbling to realize how many people's lives they improve so profoundly.

Barbara M.

I want to thank you for everything you have done for me. My right hip is perfect! I have appreciated your professionalism, your care, your communication, and your smiles!

Let's Talk About It

Contact us to set up an appointment with our surgeons to identify the problem and the best solution for you.

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Treatment Options

How a Healthy Hip Works

The hip is one of the main weight-bearing joints in your body. It consists of two main parts:

  • Femoral head – a ball at the top of your femur
  • Acetabulum – a rounded socket in your pelvis

Ligaments connect the ball to the socket and help keep them steady. A smooth, tough material called articular cartilage covers the surfaces to cushion the bones and let them move easily. The remaining surfaces of the hip joint are covered by a thin, smooth tissue liner called synovial membrane, which creates a fluid that acts as a lubricant to keep the bones from rubbing against each other.

What Causes Hip Pain?

While hip pain can be caused by a deformity or direct injury like trauma or a sports injury, the most common cause of hip pain is osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD). Depending on factors like age, weight, joint function, and activity, people with arthritis find their hip’s cartilage lining wears away over time. At that point, the bones begin to rub against each other, resulting in friction, swelling, pain, stiffness, and instability.

Pain in your hip can be debilitating. It can make it difficult for you to walk, climb stairs, or bend over and it can limit your freedom of movement and ability to function independently. Experiencing joint pain day after day without relief can lead to ‘staying off’ the joint, which often weakens the muscles around it and it can become even more difficult to move.

You don’t have to live with severe joint pain and the functional limitations it causes. If you have not experienced adequate results with medication and other conservative treatments, surgery may provide the pain relief you long for and allow you to return to the lifestyle and activities you enjoy. Our orthopedic specialists can tell you whether you might benefit from joint replacement and explain the reasons why it may or may not be the right option for you.

Hip Doctors

Sean Amann, MD

Sean Amann, MD

Aric Christal, MD

Aric Christal, MD

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Patient Education

Topic: Hip