Q1: My hip has been painful for months, especially when walking or climbing stairs. Should I get an MRI?
Yes. Persistent hip pain may indicate labral tears, early osteoarthritis, cartilage damage, or tendon injuries. X-rays often only detect bone changes, missing soft tissue injuries. MRI provides high-resolution, radiation-free images of cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and bones to pinpoint the cause.

Q2: Can physiotherapy, anti-inflammatories, or rest fix hip pain without MRI?
These treatments may relieve symptoms temporarily but cannot identify hidden structural damage. Without MRI, serious issues like labral tears or cartilage injury may go undiagnosed, delaying effective treatment.

Q3: What are the risks of delaying MRI for persistent hip pain?
Delaying MRI may allow labral or cartilage injuries to worsen, leading to chronic pain, reduced range of motion, gait abnormalities, and early osteoarthritis. Early MRI ensures accurate diagnosis and timely non-surgical intervention.

Q4: Why is MRI better than X-ray, CT, or ultrasound for hip pain?
X-rays detect only bone changes, CT has limited soft tissue resolution, and ultrasound cannot reliably detect deep labral or cartilage injuries. MRI provides comprehensive, radiation-free imaging of all hip structures, enabling precise diagnosis and treatment planning.

Q5: Where can I get a fast, affordable MRI for hip pain in Singapore?
The Pain Relief Clinic provides insurance and Medisave claimable MRI scans under $1,000, completed within 1 working day, with non-surgical treatments to help restore hip function safely.