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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.
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Meet with an expert Orthopedic Surgeon on your first visit! Start getting better right away with an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Save Money

Surgery, when needed, costs significantly less at our AAAHC-approved surgical facilities compared to the hospital. Surveys show it’s safer too, with less risk of Hospital Acquired Infections.

Patient Success Stories

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

Carol R.

Dr. Christal, you gave me 2 new hips. I have been grateful to you every day for giving me back my active life. I am nearly 78 years old and continue walking our beach on Whidbey Island and doing yard work and maintaining our 12 acres, my passion in life.

Vicky C.

Dr. Christal, I want to thank you for giving me a second chance for a quality of life. When I came here last fall, I could hardly walk. I was in so much pain. Now that you replaced both hips in a little over 3 months, I feel great! Thank you so much for taking such good care of me. You are a great doctor.

Sharon B.

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

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!

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.

Johnny C.

Six years ago, I had a right hip replaced with a fine doctor now retired. I recently had my left hip replaced with Dr. Aric Christal and his staff at Edmonds Swedish Hospital. The transformation from then to now is overwhelming. It is like going through a car wash; you start in the dumps and you come out feeling better with a clean car. While in the recovery room waiting for space upstairs, I had the privilege of waking up in the middle of a room surrounded by profession, bonny smiles on doctors and nurses. We had lunch together; they did their duties and put up with this 83-year-old guy, all in stride. I went upstairs feeling much younger than I was. There are not enough words to bestow my gratitude for Dr. Christal, his staff and associates on the Fifth Floor. I was honored to be cared for in that friendly manner. I felt so good that I stopped on the way home from the hospital for some groceries.

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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

Patient Education

Topic: Hip