What is the best treatment for hip pain?
It depends on the cause, so an exam comes first. Most hip pain, from arthritis, bursitis, tendon problems or a strain, improves with physical therapy, activity changes and anti-inflammatory medicine. Injections can help when pain persists, and surgery such as hip arthroscopy or replacement is considered when other treatment hasn't worked.
- Pain felt in the groin often comes from the hip joint itself; pain on the outside of the hip is more often a tendon or bursa.
- Get emergency care after a fall if you can't bear weight or your leg looks shortened or turned outward.
Don’t let hip pain interfere with your quality of life. At Specialty Medical Center, our board-certified physicians offer alternatives to surgery treatment for a wide range of hip conditions. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online.
The hips are essential joints that enable basic functions like walking. Tucked away between the legs and the abdomen, they often go unnoticed until something goes wrong. Because the hips are complex joints composed of many inter-working parts, many conditions can affect the hips, from tendonitis to bursitis. When the hips are experiencing pain, it can greatly impede mobility and quality of life, which is why it is imperative to have hip pain evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
What are the first signs of hip problems?
The following symptoms are often indicative of a hip problem:
Hip Pain or Groin Pain: This type of pain typically affects the areas between the hip and the knee. Hip pain can be felt when walking, while sleeping, or during exercise. It can lead to loss of mobility and range of motion of the hip. When discomfort and soreness are experienced either during or after exercising, it is often the earliest warning sign of hip arthritis. As the discomfort affects the natural movement at night, hip pain can cause sleeping problems. Furthermore, if hip pain impedes the ability to walk short or regular distances, it is imperative to see a specialist for a medical evaluation and treatment as soon as possible.
Stiffness: A common symptom of stiffness in the hip is difficulty bringing the leg close to the torso, which can make it challenging to put on shoes or socks. It may also be difficult to bend over or to pick up something from the ground.
Limping: A serious and noticeable symptom of hip problems, limping can either be acute or chronic and can be effectively treated by a hip pain specialist.
Swelling and Tenderness of the Hip: Swelling and tenderness is another sign of a problem in the hip. Swelling can occur internally or at the outer skin and muscle and typically goes away on its own within a few days. If the swelling and tenderness become unbearable or persist longer than a few days, immediately contact a hip pain specialist.
Symptoms of hip problems may vary depending on the cause of the pain and its severity. If left untreated, hip pain can become a chronic condition and may even result in a disability. This is why it is imperative to receive a professional medical evaluation from an experienced pain physician who specializes in the hips and other joints.
How can I tell if my hip pain is serious?
The following signs and symptoms indicate a serious problem and should be evaluated by a hip pain specialist as soon as possible:
• Deformity of the joint • Intense pain • Sudden swelling, especially when accompanied by fever, redness, or chills, as this may indicate an infection • Inability to move legs or hips • Inability to bear weight on the affected leg
What is the quickest way to relieve hip pain?
For quick relief at home, your hip pain specialist may recommend:
• Rest and avoid activities that exacerbate hip pain • Alternating cold and heat packs • Gentle stretching, especially if the pain is caused by a strain or pinched nerve
What causes hip pain in females?
Common causes of hip pain in females include:
• Osteoarthritis • Soft tissue injury • Pregnancy
Our board-certified pain physicians will rule out any hip pain conditions that may require surgery first, if they believe the hip pain you are suffering from would be better treated with surgery, they will refer you to a spine surgeon. If not, our pain physicians can use a combination of different spinal manipulations, therapies, and other techniques as a part of the treatment plan. Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced in getting to the root of the problem for effective and long-term relief of pain. Visit us online or simply contact us to book an appointment. We serve patients from Sterling Heights MI, Dearborn MI, Detroit MI, Birmingham MI, Allen Park MI, Warren MI, and BEYOND!
Additional Services You May Need
- Ablations
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What are the most common causes of hip pain?
Arthritis, bursitis, tendon problems on the outside of the hip, labral tears, hip impingement and muscle strains. Pain can also travel to the hip from the lower back.
When should I see a doctor for hip pain?
If it lasts more than a couple of weeks, wakes you at night, makes you limp, or follows a fall or injury.
