Hip Pain Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul Explained in English
From groin pain after running to stiff, arthritic hips, our orthopedic surgeons find the real source of your pain and start with the least invasive treatment that can work.
Gangnam Nanoori Hospital, at 731 Eonju-ro near Hakdong Station (Line 7, Exit 10) in Seoul, has a Joint Center where orthopedic surgeons assess hip pain with an exam and imaging. Care usually starts with physical therapy and image-guided injections, with hip arthroscopy or robotic-assisted hip replacement when needed. English-speaking coordinators help international patients book by WhatsApp at +82-10-6290-9796.
Hip conditions we diagnose and treat
Hip pain is often felt in the groin, the side of the hip, the buttock or even the knee. The cause can be inside the joint, in the tendons around it, or further away in your lower back. Our first job is to pinpoint which one it is.
Hip osteoarthritis
Wear of the joint cartilage causes groin pain, stiffness and a limp. It often worsens slowly over years.
Labral tears
A tear in the rim of cartilage around the socket can cause sharp groin pain, catching or clicking. See hip labral tears.
Hip impingement (FAI)
Extra bone on the ball or socket pinches the joint during deep bending, often in active adults.
Bursitis and tendon pain
Pain on the outer hip, often worse lying on that side or climbing stairs. Usually treated without surgery.
Hip fractures
A fall can break the upper thigh bone, especially with osteoporosis. This needs prompt emergency assessment.
Pain from the spine
A pinched nerve in the lower back can mimic hip pain. We check your spine as part of every hip exam.
Hip conditions and procedures in detail
Read more about the specific conditions and procedures our Joint Center surgeons manage. Each page explains symptoms, tests, treatment options and recovery in plain English.
Hip arthroscopy
Keyhole surgery to treat labral tears, impingement and loose fragments inside the hip.
Read more →Hip labral tear
Groin pain, clicking or locking from a torn socket rim, and how it is treated.
Read more →Hip impingement (FAI)
Cam and pincer bone shapes that pinch the hip, from exercise changes to surgery.
Read more →Hip replacement surgery
Total hip arthroplasty for advanced arthritis, including a robotic-assisted option.
Read more →Is it your hip or your back?
Many people with hip pain actually have a lower back problem, and some have both. Where you feel the pain gives useful clues. If your exam points to the spine, we can refer you directly to our Spine Center in the same building.
| Clue | More likely hip joint | More likely spine |
|---|---|---|
| Where it hurts | Groin or front of the hip | Buttock, back of the thigh |
| Pain below the knee | Uncommon | Common, often with tingling |
| Worse with | Putting on socks, deep bending, walking | Sitting, bending forward, standing long |
| Numbness or tingling | Rare | Common along a nerve path |
| Hip rotation on exam | Painful and often limited | Usually normal |
These are general patterns, not a diagnosis. A physical exam and imaging are needed to be sure.
How we treat hip pain
Most hip problems improve without surgery. We move up this ladder only when the earlier steps have not given you enough relief.
Accurate diagnosis
A detailed exam, X-rays and, when needed, MRI or ultrasound to find the true source of pain, including the spine.
Activity changes and medication
Adjusting sport and daily habits, weight management and short courses of anti-inflammatory medicine where suitable.
Physical therapy
Our dedicated therapists build hip and core strength, improve mobility and correct movement patterns that overload the joint.
Image-guided injections
Fluoroscopy- or ultrasound-guided injections can calm inflammation. Bone marrow (BMAC) injection may be discussed for some arthritis cases.
Hip arthroscopy
Keyhole surgery for labral tears or impingement when symptoms persist despite good non-surgical care.
Hip replacement
For advanced arthritis, total hip replacement, with a robotic-assisted option, can relieve pain and restore movement.
What hip replacement changes
In advanced arthritis the cartilage wears away and bone rubs on bone. A hip replacement swaps the damaged surfaces for a smooth artificial ball and socket.
Simplified medical illustration for education only, not a patient image. Results vary by condition and individual; your specialist will explain what to expect for your case.
Your Specialists
Care at this clinic is provided by Nanoori Joint Center orthopedic surgeons. Tap a doctor to see their full profile.
Dr. Jae Chang Lim
Robotic joint replacement, bone marrow injection
Dr. Seong Cheol Moon
Hip problems, sports injuries, arthroscopy
Dr. Hyun Seok Seo
Robotic replacement, cartilage and sports medicine
Dr. Young Wan Go
Joint replacement, fractures and osteoporosis
Nanoori specialist on hip conditions and treatment · Video may be in Korean — ask our English-speaking team about anything you see.
Common Questions
Do I need an MRI before my first visit?
No. Your surgeon will examine you first and usually start with X-rays. An MRI is ordered only if it will change your treatment, for example when a labral tear is suspected. If you already have scans from home, bring the images and reports.
Could my hip pain actually be coming from my back?
Yes, this is common. A pinched nerve in the lower back can cause buttock and thigh pain that feels like a hip problem. We check your spine during the exam and can involve our spine team; read more about back pain.
Will I need surgery?
Most people with hip pain do not. Physical therapy, activity changes and injections help many patients. Surgery is considered when pain and function stay poor despite good non-surgical care, or when there is a clear structural problem such as advanced arthritis.
Can I use my insurance as a foreigner?
If you are enrolled in Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS), it can be applied to eligible care. For international insurance, our coordinators can explain the billing documents you will receive so you can submit a claim. Please check coverage directly with your insurer before treatment.
When is hip pain an emergency?
Seek urgent care after a fall if you cannot stand or bear weight, if your leg looks shortened or turned out, or if a painful hip comes with fever. In a life-threatening emergency in Korea, call 119.
How do I book an appointment in English?
Message our international coordinators on WhatsApp at +82-10-6290-9796 or email ihc_info@mfnanoori.co.kr. We are at 731 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, a short walk from Hakdong Station Exit 10. See contact us for details.
Talk to a hip specialist in English
Send us your symptoms or scans on WhatsApp and our coordinators will arrange your visit.
Related Care
Last updated October 2026. This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Contact us · Gangnam Nanoori Hospital home
