Causes and Treatment of Hip Pain
Hip pain can be very uncomfortable, especially if you have it frequently. To choose the most effective course of treatment, it is critical to determine the underlying cause of your pain. Various conditions such as bursitis, arthritis, tendinitis, muscle strain, and hip fractures can cause hip pain.
This condition affects people of all ages, but older individuals are more likely to experience hip pain due to age-related degeneration of the bones and joint structures. Before you conclude that you are suffering from hip pain, your doctor needs to carry out a diagnosis. The diagnosis will be based on your medical history, physical exam, and imaging (MRI/CT scans).
Warning signs of hip pain
These are some of the warning signs
- Pain that radiates to the thigh, knee, or groin: The pain of hip joint problems may radiate to the thigh, knee, or groin.
- Pain while walking: If you experience pain, it could signify something is wrong with your hip joint.
- Limited range of motion: Limited mobility in any direction can indicate a problem with the hip joint.
- Swelling around the hip joint: Swelling around the joint may indicate a problem.
- Tenderness when pressure is applied to the hip area: This can be an indication of a problem with the joint.
- A deformed joint: If the hip joint has become deformed, it could signify a condition such as arthritis.
Sudden swelling: If you experience sudden swelling around the hip joint, it could signify an infection. The infection may be bacterial or viral.
Treatment for hip pain
Once your doctor has diagnosed the underlying cause of your hip pain, they may recommend a course of treatment which may include:
Anti-inflammatory medications
When your hip pain is caused by inflammation, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce swelling and pain. They will work by blocking the production of certain enzymes responsible for causing inflammation.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy can help to increase mobility and improve joint function. Your physical therapist may recommend a series of exercises that target your hip area, including:
- Stretching: Stretching helps to increase flexibility and reduce stiffness in the hip area.
- Strengthening: Strengthening exercises help to strengthen the muscles around your hip joint, which can help improve joint stability and reduce pain.
Aerobic exercise: Aerobic exercise such as walking or swimming can help increase circulation and stamina.
Regenerative medicine injections
In some cases, your doctor may recommend regenerative medicine injections such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cell therapy to help promote healing and reduce pain. These treatments involve injecting a concentrated solution of proteins and growth factors into the affected area to stimulate healing and tissue regeneration.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be recommended if other treatments have failed to provide relief. Surgery may involve replacing the hip joint with an artificial one or using screws and plates to hold the joint.
Hip pain can be debilitating, but it is possible to manage it with proper treatment and lifestyle changes. If you are experiencing hip pain, seek medical advice at Integrity Orthopedics.
