Hip Pain

HIP PAIN

Hip pain is a common problem that can result from a variety of different issues, such as injuries, pinched nerves, muscle or ligament problems, and diseases. One of the most common causes of hip pain is osteoarthritis, a chronic condition that occurs when the cartilage (flexible tissue) that separates the joints deteriorates. Symptoms tend to develop slowly and can include pain around the affected joints, tenderness, and stiffness after a period of inactivity. If the deterioration advances enough and the bones start rubbing against each other, you may also experience loss of flexibility and joint movement. You may even hear or feel a cracking or grinding noise when you flex the joint.
Hip pain can also be brought on by problems in other parts of the body, such as the back, spine or knees. The exact location and type of pain you feel will vary depending on the cause of the problem.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

If the pain in your hip is minor and lasts for a short time only, it may not be necessary to seek medical attention. However, if your symptoms worsen or persist for more than a few weeks with no signs of improvement, you should make an appointment to see a doctor.
Seek medical attention immediately if your pain is caused by an injury or comes on suddenly and is intense – especially if you notice sudden swelling or deformation of the joint. You should also seek medical care as soon as possible if you lose the ability to move your hip or the affected leg or if you are unable to put weight on it.
An intra-articular hip joint injection may be used to determine whether your hip pain is the result of a problem with your hip joint, sacroiliac joint, and/or back.

TREATMENT

After a review of your medical history and a physical exam, we will be able to make a diagnosis and give you specific recommendations for treatment. An accurate diagnosis is very important if you want to see lasting results, as it will allow you to treat the cause of the problem and not just the symptoms.
Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate some pain and reduce swelling. Depending on your diagnosis and symptoms, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids or anti-rheumatic drugs (for rheumatoid arthritis).

Intra-articular hip joint injections are another option for patients seeking hip pain relief. The procedure is quick, low-risk, and effective in many cases at relieving pain caused by the hip joint.

To determine whether intra-articular hip joint injections are right for you, or to learn about other innovative treatment options for hip pain, contact us to make an appointment with one of our pain management specialists.