Hip Arthritis Specialist — San Antonio, TX
Hip osteoarthritis doesn't have to define your life. Dr. Sean Shahrestani, MD offers a full spectrum of hip arthritis treatments — from cortisone and PRP injections to robotic total hip replacement — at the Institute of Orthopaedic Special Surgery.
Understanding Your Condition
Hip arthritis — most commonly hip osteoarthritis — is a degenerative joint condition in which the cartilage that cushions the ball and socket of the hip joint gradually wears away. As the cartilage deteriorates, bones begin to rub directly against each other, causing pain, inflammation, stiffness, and difficulty with everyday movements.
Hip arthritis is one of the most common causes of hip pain in adults over 50, though it can affect younger patients as well — particularly those with prior hip injuries, dysplasia, or a family history of joint disease. Left untreated, hip arthritis tends to worsen progressively over time.
The good news: hip arthritis is highly treatable. With the right approach, most patients can significantly reduce pain, improve function, and delay or even avoid surgery altogether. Dr. Shahrestani's philosophy is to start with the most conservative options and only recommend surgery when the evidence supports it.
Quick Facts
Recognizing the Signs
Hip arthritis symptoms often develop gradually and can be mistaken for other conditions. Common signs include:
Deep aching pain in the groin that may radiate down the inner thigh is a hallmark symptom of hip joint arthritis.
Hip pain that worsens with walking, going up stairs, or getting in and out of a car — especially after periods of rest.
Significant stiffness and difficulty moving the hip joint upon waking that gradually improves with movement.
A crunching, grinding, or popping sound (crepitus) in the hip joint during movement — a sign of cartilage loss.
Struggling to put on shoes or socks, bend down, or perform activities that require hip rotation or flexion.
Hip pain that disrupts sleep — particularly when lying on the affected side — is a sign of moderate to advanced arthritis.
Treatment Approach
Dr. Shahrestani believes in a stepwise, patient-centered approach. Every patient is different — and your treatment plan will be built around your age, activity level, severity of arthritis, and personal goals.
Targeted exercise programs to strengthen the muscles around the hip, reduce load on the joint, and improve range of motion and function.
Corticosteroid injections directly into the hip joint to reduce inflammation and provide significant pain relief — often lasting 3–6 months.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use your body's own growth factors to reduce inflammation and potentially slow cartilage breakdown.
When conservative care no longer provides relief, robotic hip replacement delivers precision-aligned implants, faster recovery, and long-lasting results. Dr. Shahrestani specializes in the minimally invasive anterior approach.
If hip pain is affecting your sleep, limiting your mobility, or preventing you from doing what you love — it's time for an evaluation. Dr. Shahrestani will give you a clear diagnosis and honest options.
3903 Wiseman Blvd, Suite 213 • San Antonio, TX 78251
Advanced Surgery
When hip arthritis reaches a point where everyday life is significantly impaired and non-surgical treatments are no longer providing adequate relief, total hip replacement is one of the most effective procedures in all of medicine — with over 95% of patients reporting dramatic pain relief and improved function.
Dr. Shahrestani specializes in robotic-assisted hip replacement, which uses computer imaging and real-time data to guide implant positioning with a level of accuracy impossible by hand alone. The result is a better-fitting implant, more natural hip mechanics, and a lower risk of dislocation or premature wear.
He also performs the anterior approach hip replacement — a minimally invasive technique that accesses the hip from the front, sparing major muscles and tendons. This typically means less post-operative pain, faster walking, shorter hospital stays, and quicker return to daily activities.
Most patients are walking the same day or within 24 hours of surgery. Many return home within 1–2 days and resume light daily activities within 4–6 weeks.
Robotic Hip Replacement Advantages
What Patients Say
"Dr. Shahrestani performed a total hip replacement which has enabled me to regain the ability to perform everyday tasks such as putting on my socks, bending down to pick up objects, and most importantly walk without pain. He provides you with all the facts and addresses all questions."
"My pain level went from 10/10 to nearly nothing in 3 weeks. Total Hip Replacement with anterior incision. Up and shopping before Christmas. Dr. Shahrestani is one of a kind — very specific and tailored my procedure for me. Impressive. Highly recommend."
"This doctor is a great listener and very attentive. We went through every step of helping me correct my hip. If you need anything done as far as hip replacement, he is the man! I promise you won't regret it."
Average rating across Google & Healthgrades from patients who trusted Dr. Shahrestani with their hip and knee care.
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Ready to get a straight answer about your hip pain? Call Dr. Shahrestani's office — same-week appointments available.
📞 Call 210-680-1000