Understanding Your Hip Pain: Expert Insights from Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Comer at Comprehensive Orthopaedics
Hip pain can be one of the most frustrating and limiting types of discomfort — it affects how you walk, sit, sleep, and move through your day. Whether it’s caused by years of athletic wear, a past injury, or simple joint degeneration over time, persistent hip pain can have a major impact on quality of life. In a recent WFSB segment, host Melissa Cole visited Comprehensive Orthopaedics to meet with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brendan Comer, who shared valuable insights on understanding and treating hip pain. The conversation highlighted the clinic’s advanced approach to diagnosis, conservative care, and surgical solutions — including hip replacement in Connecticut.
A Closer Look at the Causes of Hip Pain
During the segment, Dr. Comer explained that hip pain can come from a wide range of issues, not just the joint itself. Problems in the bones, cartilage, muscles, tendons, or even the lower back can all contribute. For some patients, the cause is osteoarthritis, a condition that gradually wears down the joint’s protective cartilage. Others may experience structural conditions such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), where abnormal bone contact causes pain and stiffness, or labral tears, which affect the cartilage rim around the hip socket.
Because the hip is a complex joint, pinpointing the exact source of pain is essential. As Dr. Comer emphasized, the process begins with a comprehensive evaluation that includes a detailed patient history, a thorough physical examination, and advanced imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans. This helps the care team at Comprehensive Orthopaedics design a treatment plan tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Conservative Treatment Comes First
For many people, surgery isn’t the first or only answer. Dr. Comer and the team focus on non-surgical hip pain treatments whenever possible. Physical therapy often plays a key role in strengthening surrounding muscles, improving flexibility, and restoring movement. Anti-inflammatory medications and targeted injections can also reduce swelling and pain, helping many patients return to normal activity without needing surgery. This patient-centered approach ensures that every option is explored before considering more invasive procedures.
Minimally Invasive and Surgical Options
When conservative methods don’t bring enough relief, Dr. Comer may recommend minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. Using small incisions and precise tools, he can repair damaged tissue, smooth cartilage, or correct structural problems that limit movement. These techniques allow for quicker recovery and less discomfort than traditional open surgery.
In more advanced cases — especially when arthritis or joint deterioration is severe — a total hip replacement may be the best solution. As one of Connecticut’s leading orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Comer uses modern surgical technology and durable implants to restore function, reduce pain, and help patients return to their favorite activities faster than ever before. Thanks to innovations in joint replacement, many patients are able to walk on their new hip within days and resume most daily activities within weeks.
The Importance of Early Evaluation
As Dr. Comer pointed out in the WFSB interview, hip pain should never be ignored or accepted as “just part of getting older.” Early diagnosis can make all the difference — the sooner an orthopedic specialist identifies the root cause, the more treatment options are available, and the better the outcome. At Comprehensive Orthopaedics, patients receive personalized care plans designed not only to relieve pain but to restore confidence and mobility.
Moving Forward with Confidence
The WFSB feature shines a light on the compassionate, modern approach that Comprehensive Orthopaedics brings to patient care. Under the expertise of orthopedic surgeon Dr. Comer, the clinic blends advanced diagnostics, evidence-based treatment, and individualized attention to help patients regain control of their health. Whether you’re seeking non-surgical pain management, minimally invasive hip repair, or a hip replacement in Connecticut, Dr. Comer and his team are dedicated to getting you back to the activities you love — comfortably and confidently.
Dr. Comer practices at Comprehensive Orthopaedics, which has four locations in Wallingford, Meriden, Cheshire, and Southington. Schedule an appointment today.