If you’re suffering from hip pain, you know how frustrating it can be. The hip joint is one of the most important joints in the human body. You can’t walk without it. So figuring out what’s causing your hip pain and how to treat it is important.
A number of issues could be responsible. Here are some of the most common culprits behind hip pain.
Arthritis. Various forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause your hip joint to be inflamed and cause the cartilage that cushions your hip bones to break down.
Bursitis. Bursae, which are sacs of liquid between bones, muscles and tendons, can become inflamed from any number of causes, such as falling, having poor posture, or overdoing activities like running or climbing.
Tendinitis. Inflammation of the tendons—which connect bones to muscles—is usually a result of overdoing an activity, such as running long distances or repeated dance or gymnastics moves. Tendinitis can also happen to older people who have an unsteady gait.
Labral tears. These are tears in the ring of cartilage that cushions your hip joint and helps hold the ball at the top of your thighbone in your hip socket. Labral tears may be caused by a car accident or a fall or by repetitive motion in sports such as running, skating, or soccer.
Fractures. Osteoporosis, which is weakening and brittleness in the bones, increases your risk of breaking a hip, which can be very painful.
Pinched nerves. A common example of a pinched nerve is sciatica. This happens when something, for instance a herniated disk or a bone spur, compresses the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your hips and down your legs. Although the problem starts in your back, you may feel pain in your hip and leg.
Your doctor can help you pinpoint the cause of your hip pain and recommend treatment. Sometimes just restricting your activity (for instance, if you’re a runner, take a break) and taking over-the-counter pain relievers will be all you need. Putting an ice pack on the painful area for about 15 minutes at a time several times a day may help.
For more persistent and severe pain, physical therapy, prescription medications, and/or steroid injections may help.
In some cases, for instance, with severe arthritis or a fracture, hip replacement surgery may be the best answer.
If you have any questions about hip pain and how to treat it, the staff at Tulsa Pain would be happy to discuss it with you.
Tulsa Pain is a multi-location pain management practice in Oklahoma that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. We are dedicated to helping those who are suffering find the relief they deserve. Our team uses a balanced approach by incorporating minimally invasive, outpatient procedures, complementary and alternative medicine, and medication to help patients take control of their pain. Call 918-742-7030 or click here to Request an Appointment to meet with one of our talented pain management specialists today!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
