While the hip has cartilages that serve as a cushion, it is not entirely exempted from wear and tare. Apart from this natural process, there are diseases that can reduce the performance of your hips.
Hip pain gets in the way of your daily activities, from exercise to bending to pick up a book. But how can you tell if you already need a health care professional or just pain management at home?
A Natural Med Doc has identified the top 5 hip symptoms that shouldn’t ignore. By addressing hip pain early, you can avoid invasive treatments and risk of further damage. Consult a doctor if you experience any of these:
· Consistent Hip Pain For Several Weeks
· Hip Pain Radiating to the Groin
· Hip Pain When Sitting, Walking, Driving, and Exercising
· Pain With Hip Flexion or When Lifting A Leg
· Hip Pain with Stiffness When Twisting
How Should You Respond to Hip Pain
The first step in pain management for the hips is self-care. Most pains can be relieved with over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen. You must also rest to avoid any more pressure on the hips. Applying an ice pack on the painful site can also be helpful. If none of these works, consult a doctor immediately.
Possible Causes of Hip Pain
Many factors must be ruled out in order to identify the exact cause of your hip pain and the best course of action.
The doctor will order a physical exam and review of medical history. You will also be asked of the following:
· When did you first experience hip pain
· Is consistent or intermittent?
· When does it usually happen?
· Where else do you notice pain?
· What pain management methods did you try?
· Did it work?
Depending on the result of the tests and evaluation by your doctor, you may be prescribed certain medications. In some cases, patients are advised to see a physical therapist to assist your recovery and teach the most appropriate exercises for your condition. If these are no longer effective, your doctor may discuss the possibility of joint resurfacing or hip replacement surgery.
The following are possible causes of hip pain:
1. Osteoarthritis
According to data gathered by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), osteoarthritis is of the most common causes of pain in the hips, affecting 27 million individuals per day. Due to aging, trauma, and several other factors, the cartilages in the hips deteriorate causing friction the bones. The friction creates pain, inflammation, and reduced movement. Hip replacement surgery may be considered if the conservative approach fails.
2. Tendonitis
A tendon is the strong fibrous connective tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. Any tendon that surrounds the hip joint can become irritated, inflamed, or swollen due to injury or overuse. This causes massive pain that can limit movement. Age can also be a factor as the tendon’s elasticity lessens with age.
3. Stress Fracture
Hip pain due to stress fracture is most common among athletes who are engaged in high-impact sports. The first approach is usually rest and physical therapy. If the hip is forced to move, the fracture might worsen until the damage becomes irreversible.
4. Trochanteric Bursitis
When the bursa (fluid-filled sac around the joint) is inflamed it is called bursitis. The trochanteric bursa is the bursa in the greater trochanter of the hip.
Trochanteric bursitis is a common cause of hip pain. It can be caused by joint overuse, injury, incorrect posture, certain disease and conditions, post-surgery complications, or calcium deposits. Rest, pain medications, cold application, and physical therapy may treat the condition.
5. Osteonecrosis
Osteonecrosis can cause immense pain and limited movement. It is a condition wherein the blood flow to the bone is insufficient, causing cell death and bone collapse. It can be caused by medications such as chemotherapy and high-dose steroids. Cancer, lupus, vasculitis, and other diseases can cause osteonecrosis.
6. Snapping Hip Syndrome
Also called “Dancer’s Hip”, it refers to 3 distinct hip problems in which a snapping sound or sensation is felt when moving. It can happen if a band of muscles snaps on a joint or bone, or when a torn cartilage snaps around the hip socket. In some patients, the “snapping” is accompanied by pain and stiffness.
7. Muscle Strains
Muscle strains can occur around the hip and pelvis due to incorrect movement or posture. The most common are pulled groin and hamstring. Not stretching well before a workout and sudden exertion are common causes. Muscle strains go away with pain relievers, rest, and cold application. A pain management Phoenix specialist can teach you ways to avoid muscle strains.
8. Hip Fracture
This is common among the elderly population with osteoporosis. Due to aging and insufficient calcium intake, the bones vulnerable to fracture. Broken hips are tremendously painful that home pain management is often not enough. A hip fracture requires an operation to stabilize the bone and joins using screws and metal plates.
9. Dislocation
The hip the joint can become dislocated because of a sports injury or an accident. If the hip is not in its normal position, even the smallest movement can be extremely painful to the point of immobilization. Call the emergency room immediately if a hip dislocation is suspected.
Reminder
Do not wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking professional medical attention. Causes of hip symptoms are varied, but it can only be confirmed through tests and physical exam conducted by a doctor.
