Hip Pain

For many people, ongoing hip pain is tied to osteoarthritis, a condition that develops as the joint wears down over time.

In a healthy hip, cartilage acts as a smooth cushion that allows the joint to move freely. With osteoarthritis, that cartilage gradually breaks down. As it wears away, the joint becomes irritated and inflamed—leading to stiffness, aching pain, and reduced mobility.

This inflammation inside the joint is often what makes everyday movements more difficult, whether it’s getting up from a chair, walking for longer periods, or staying active.

While osteoarthritis is the most common cause of chronic hip pain, other factors can also contribute, including:

Because inflammation plays such a central role, it also gives us a way to treat hip pain more directly with targeted, non-surgical options.

Hip pain doesn’t always feel the same from person to person, but there are some common patterns we see.

You may notice:

These symptoms tend to build over time, which is why many people don’t seek out care until it’s already affecting their routine.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for hip pain. The right approach depends on how severe your symptoms are and what’s causing them.

At VIM, we focus on treating the underlying cause of chronic hip pain—particularly the inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

For some patients, simple changes can make a meaningful difference:

These options may help manage inflammation and discomfort:

If those options haven’t worked, or you’re looking to avoid surgery, there are newer solutions available.

One of the most promising is Hip Artery Embolization, a form of non-surgical hip treatment that targets inflammation directly inside the joint. This is especially important for patients with osteoarthritis, where inflammation is a primary driver of pain.

Hip replacement surgery may still be recommended in advanced cases, but it’s not the only path forward—and not always the first step.

Hip embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces inflammation in the hip joint.

Instead of operating on the joint itself, the procedure targets the small blood vessels that contribute to inflammation and pain.

Here’s how it works:

Over time, this helps reduce inflammation—often leading to less pain and improved mobility.

Choosing the right provider for hip pain treatment matters. You want a team that takes the time to understand what you’re dealing with and offers solutions that make sense for your life—not just a one-size-fits-all approach.

At the Vascular Institute of Michigan, we focus on helping patients find relief through thoughtful, minimally invasive care. Here’s what sets our team apart:

Hip pain doesn’t usually go away on its own—but the right treatment can make a real difference.

If you’re ready to explore your options for hip pain treatment, our team is here to help you move forward with confidence.

Call the Vascular Institute of Michigan in Flint today to learn whether hip embolization is right for you.

The most common cause of long-term hip pain is osteoarthritis, which occurs when the cartilage in the hip joint wears down over time. This leads to inflammation, stiffness, and discomfort that can worsen without treatment.

Yes, hip embolization is considered a safe and well-tolerated procedure when performed by experienced specialists. Because it is minimally invasive, it carries a lower risk of complications compared to traditional surgery.

Coverage depends on your insurance provider and plan. Our team can help verify your benefits and explain your options before treatment.

Results vary depending on the individual. Many patients experience long-lasting relief, especially when combined with lifestyle changes and ongoing care.

Not necessarily. Many patients experience meaningful pain relief and improved mobility after hip embolization, which can delay—or in some cases eliminate—the need for hip replacement surgery.