How Do You Diagnose Hip Pain? What Are the Common Forms of Treatment?
Our hips may be subject to more wear and tear than any other part of our body since they support most of our weight as we walk, run, jump, lift, and climb. It’s no surprise, then, that hip pain is among the most common types of joint pain, whether from arthritis, trauma, or overuse. What are the symptoms of hip injury and pain? What are the best ways to treat hip pain?
What Are the Common Causes of Hip Pain?
Perhaps the most common factor causing or contributing to hip pain is arthritis, whether it’s rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune condition involving inflammation in the lining of your joints. Though it’s more frequently found in people over the age of 50, it can affect a person at any age. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is a degenerative condition that arises as the protective cartilage that cushions your joints wears down over time. It’s found mostly in older people and gets progressively worse with age.
Another common ailment that causes hip pain is bursitis, caused by inflammation in the bursae sacs around bones, muscles, and tendons. Bursitis is usually the result of repetitive stress and/or motion.
Tendonitis can also cause significant hip pain. Your tendons are thick bands that connect your bones to your muscles. When those bands get inflamed or irritated, either from hyperextension or overuse, it can be difficult and painful to move.
Another possible source of pain can be a strain or tear to one of the large muscles in your hip. Those muscles support your body weight and allow you to push off or move laterally.
What Are the Symptoms of Hip Pain?
Hip pain can be localized, or it can radiate into adjacent areas of your body. You may have some type of hip injury if you experience discomfort in your thigh or groin, on the inside or outside of your hip joint, in your buttocks, or even in your lower back.
What Types of Treatment Are Available for Hip Pain?
In many instances, you can get short-term relief with painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs. Rest can help your hip heal, and alternating ice and heat for 20-minute periods can be beneficial.
A gentle regimen of physical therapy or exercise may be essential to help strengthen the muscles in your hip area and increase your range of motion. Low impact exercises, such as swimming, can help you heal with a minimal amount of pain.
As a worst-case scenario, if your pain becomes unbearable or some part of your socket deformed, you may need a total hip replacement. In most situations, a hip replacement patient can resume normal activities within six weeks of surgery.
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