Our hips bear our body’s weight, support our movements, and endure daily stresses. This massive ball-and-socket joint is designed for smooth, fluid motion, making daily activities effortless.
There’s a special layer of cartilage that provides cushioning and avoids friction, ensuring the hip bone glides seamlessly within its socket. While the hips are strong, they aren’t immune to wear and tear. Over time, the protective cartilage might thin out, muscles may get strained, or unforeseen injuries could result in hip pain.
If you’re experiencing discomfort in your hip, schedule a consultation with a medical expert to determine the cause and prescribe the best solution for your pain management. The team at Eastshore Healthcare provides regenerative medicine to not only ease the pain but also provide a long-lasting solution.
Hip pain can often be treated without drugs or surgery – We can help you get our of pain naturally Call us today to schedule a complimentary consultation (717) 652-5550
Symptoms of hip pain
Where you feel the pain depends on the part of the hip joint that’s damaged. You can feel pain in your:
- Thighs
- Groins
- Buttocks
- Inside or outside the hip joint
You might also have problems:
- Moving your legs or hips
- Sleeping on your hip
- With clicking or snapping sounds from the hip
Causes of hip joint pain
Some of the common causes of hip pain include:
- Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are prevalent causes of hip pain, particularly in seniors. These conditions result in inflamed hip joints and thinning of the cartilage layer cushioning the hip joint. This creates a lot of friction and pain, resulting in stiffness and reduced range of motion.
- Hip fractures: As you age, your bones get weaker and brittle, making them susceptible to fractures even on minor falls.
- Bursitis: Bursae are fluid-filled sacs located between bones and muscles. They reduce friction between tissues. When you indulge in repetitive activities that irritate or overwork the hip, the bursae get inflamed, resulting in pain.
- Tendinitis: This refers to the irritation or inflammation of tendons, which are thick tissue bands connecting bones and muscles. Overuse of tendons results in tendinitis.
- Muscle or tendon strain: Engaging in repeated activities strains the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support your hips. When these tissues become inflamed, they cause pain and hinder normal hip function.
- Hip labral tear: This is a tear in the cartilage ring (labrum), which follows the outer rim of the hip socket. Aside from cushioning the hip joint, the cartilage acts like a seal to hold the ball of the thigh bone within the hip socket. Athletes and individuals who repetitively twist their hips are more prone to this condition.
- Cancers: Tumors originating in the bone or spreading to the bone can result in hip pain.
- Avascular necrosis: This condition occurs when there’s reduced blood flow to the hip bone, causing the bone tissue to die. It can be a result of a hip fracture, dislocation, or usage of high-dose steroids for a long time.
Who is at risk of developing hip pain?
Seniors and individuals with excess weight or a previous injury are at risk of developing hip joint arthritis. Also, if you’re into strenuous sports or a job that strains your hips, you are susceptible to hip pain.
Can workouts cause pain in the hips?
Exercising shouldn’t make your hip joint pain worse. However, if you try new exercises, you might experience short-term pain in your muscles as your body gets used to the new movement. This pain should go away faster.
Treatment of hip pain
Some common causes of hip joint pain include:
- Over-the-counter medications: Non-prescription drugs (pain relievers) like ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
- Ice and heat application: Applying ice packs can help reduce inflammation and pain, especially after an injury. Heat, like warm baths or heating pads, can help soothe muscle tension and pain since it improves blood flow.
- Stretching and low-impact exercises: Engaging in activities like yoga or specific stretches can strengthen hip muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
- Physical therapy: A trained physical therapist can guide you through targeted exercises and stretches to alleviate pain and improve hip function.
- Cortisone injections: A corticosteroid injection, administered directly into the hip joint, can help reduce severe pain and inflammation. They’re especially beneficial for conditions like bursitis and osteoarthritis.
- Hip surgery: In cases where conservative treatments don’t provide relief, surgical options like hip arthroscopy or even hip replacement surgery might be considered. The type of surgery depends on the underlying cause of the pain.
- Rest: Sometimes, simply resting the affected hip and avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain can be beneficial.
Hire Eastshore Healthcare
Hip pain can deeply impact your quality of life, turning everyday tasks into challenges. However, you don’t need to navigate this journey alone. At Eastshore Healthcare, we recognize the unique needs of every individual and craft personalized care plans to ensure optimal recovery.
Don’t let hip pain define your days. Reach out to us and take the first step towards a pain-free future. Whether you’re seeking expert consultation or a comprehensive treatment plan, we’re here for you.