The hip joint is designed to withstand frequent movement and a considerable amount of wear and tear. This joint, the largest in the body, comprising a head and the socket are connected in a manner that enables smooth movement.
Whenever you use the hip (eg running), insert cartilage prevents friction as the hip bone moves in a cup.
Despite its strength, the hip joint is not indestructible. With age and use, the cartilage may wear or damage. Muscles and tendons in the hip may be over-used. The very hip bone may be broken during a fall or other injury. Any of these conditions can lead to pain in the hip.
If your hips are in pain, here’s a summary of what the causes might be and how to ease the pain.
SYMPTOMS OF PAIN IN THE HIP
Depending on the condition that causes pain in the hip, you can feel the discomfort:
- Thigh
- within the hip joint
- Groin
- the outside of the hip joint
- buttocks
Sometimes the pain from other parts of the body, for example, back or groin (due to a hernia), can spread to the hip.
You may notice that the pain worsens with activity. In particular if caused by arthritis. Due to the pain, it is possible that you have a decreased range of motion. Some people start to limp because of the persistent pain in the hip.
Easing the pain in the hip
If the pain in the hip caused by stress, osteoarthritis or tendonitis, relief can be found with the help of drugs that are marketed as Tylenol non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin ili Aleve.
Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis also include anti-inflammatory prescription medications such as corticosteroids or modifying antirheumatic drugs for disease modification such as methotrexate i sulfasalazine.
Another method for the alleviation of pain in the hip by holding the ice in the affected area for about 15 minutes several times a day. Try resting the affected joint as much as possible until you feel better.
If you have arthritis, exercise the hip joint exercises with low contact, stretching, and resistance exercises can reduce pain and improve mobility of joints. For example, swimming is good exercise for low contact arthritis. Physiotherapy can also increase the range of motion.
When osteoarthritis becomes so severe that the pain is intense or hip joint becomes deformed, it is possible to consider total hip replacement (arthroplasty). People who break a hip, surgery is sometimes required in order for the fracture heal or have a hip replacement.
Call your doctor if the pain does not pass or if you notice swelling, redness or warmth around the joint. Also consult a doctor if you have pain in the hip during the night or when resting.
Immediately seek help from a doctor if:
- pain in the hip appeared suddenly
- a fall or other injury caused pain in the hip
- joint looks deformed or bleeding
- You’ve heard crackling in the hip when moving
- the pain is intense
- You can not put any weight on the hip
- You can not move the leg or hip
