Understanding Hip Pain

Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of hip pain in adults. Should you start to experience regular pains in the hips that do not clear up within a week or two then you ought to make an appointment to see a doctor. This is especially the case if it becomes steadily worse and the pain has a noticeable difference.

Hip pain, especially in younger people, can often be caused by strains or impact which in most cases will heal up on their own. Although arthritis can appear at any age it is most likely to develop in middle and later years, and the hips are one of the most typical areas to be affected. In very rare exceptions hip pain can be caused by a handful of serious illnesses that your medical doctor will be sure to rule out right away.

 

Coastal Integrative Healthcare – providing services in Edgewater, Palm Coast, Orange City, and Ormond Beach.

hip pain

Coping With Osteoarthritis

We will now turn our focus towards osteoarthritis and the various options available for treating and dealing with the condition. To begin with the good news, while no form of arthritis is pleasant, that which affects the hips is one of the most common and consequently best understood when it comes to treatment. Establishing positive lifestyle changes, healthy eating, and exploring how supportive therapies can help are the three main factors of any osteoarthritis treatment plan. Surgery can be used in some cases but tends to be used only when the problem has become severe enough to substantially hamper movement and quality of life.

Lifestyle Adjustment

The hips are essential for mobility and supporting our body weight. Osteoarthritis is best addressed by keeping mobile and active, even though doing so may be painful. Strengthening muscles and keeping them limber will prevent stiffness and reduce inflammation. Many people assume that this kind of arthritis originates primarily from overexertion, when in fact a lack of movement and exercise can be even worse. By keeping active and losing some weight the hips will have an easier job.

Many people diagnosed with osteoarthritis will be encouraged to explore physiotherapy. They will look at effective and practical ways where you can integrate hip-strengthening exercises into your daily routine. It is sensible to carefully follow their advice and not suddenly take up a punishing exercise routine – as you are likely going to overexert and cause more damage to your joints.

Coping With Osteoarthritis

We will now turn our focus towards osteoarthritis and the various options available for treating and dealing with the condition. To begin with the good news, while no form of arthritis is pleasant, that which affects the hips is one of the most common and consequently best understood when it comes to treatment. Establishing positive lifestyle changes, healthy eating, and exploring how supportive therapies can help are the three main factors of any osteoarthritis treatment plan. Surgery can be used in some cases but tends to be used only when the problem has become severe enough to substantially hamper movement and quality of life.

Osteoarthritis

Lifestyle Adjustment

The hips are essential for mobility and supporting our body weight. Osteoarthritis is best addressed by keeping mobile and active, even though doing so may be painful. Strengthening muscles and keeping them limber will prevent stiffness and reduce inflammation. Many people assume that this kind of arthritis originates primarily from overexertion, when in fact a lack of movement and exercise can be even worse. By keeping active and losing some weight the hips will have an easier job.

Many people diagnosed with osteoarthritis will be encouraged to explore physiotherapy. They will look at effective and practical ways where you can integrate hip-strengthening exercises into your daily routine. It is sensible to carefully follow their advice and not suddenly take up a punishing exercise routine – as you are likely going to overexert and cause more damage to your joints.

Healthy Eating

There is a steadily increasing scale of painkilling medication that can be used when helping patients deal with hip pain. Medication is not a solution and should not be the first answer an individual turns to for pain management.  To begin with, most doctors will suggest that you stick to easily available healthy eating choices. Remember, most medications vary strengths but healthy food choices will always be the better option.

Medication are not used when people suffer certain underlying health issues such as heart/cardiovascular complaints, asthma, and angina. A healthy and balanced diet will provide natural treatments and will give natural pain relief.  A Physical therapist will tell you which foods to avoid and which ones are best to eat.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an available technique that has shown some promise for helping repair tissue damage caused by osteoarthritis. It is available at Coastal Integrative Healthcare and a viable option to short and long term pain relief in your hips.

hip pain treatment

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Reasons For Hip Pain

As osteoarthritis is the most common explanation for persistent hip pain we will look specifically at this ailment later in the article. When diagnosing the specific reason for the pain, doctors will initially investigate where it is coming from. Pain which is coming from inside the hip almost always indicates a problem with the joint bone. If the pain instead seems to be originating from the outside – including butt and thighs – then it is more likely a muscle or tissue problem. There is also the chance that either of these pains could be caused by an issue within the lower back.

Alongside arthritis, there are a number of other reasons why you may be experiencing hip pain. Besides the more obvious forms of trauma such as fractured bones and dislocation, here is a selection of possible causes which demonstrate how broad this ailment can be:

  • Pinched nerves

  • Inflammation at the joint (bursitis)

  • Osteoporosis

  • Synovitis

  • Tendinitis

  • Hernia

  • Cancer

When it comes to treating hip pain which is not caused by arthritis physical therapy, recovery program will be centered upon the condition. If the problem is a muscular/nerve one then the treatment will focus on pain reduction, coping techniques and lifestyle changes which will help lessen the severity. In the rare example of serious illness (cancer) the treatment will be much more complex.

hip pain treatment

Complementary Therapies For Hip Pain

There are plenty of supportive treatments that have a good record of helping people cope with hip pain. Many of these can also be used for non-arthritic hip problems too. Unlike pharmaceutical medications, they do not aim to completely remove the pain but instead to lessen the severity and help people learn how to manage it. Some of these are very simple and can be self-administered while others require skilled professional assistance.

Options For Complementary Therapy

Hot & cold packs: these are applied directly to the painful areas and help immediately reduce inflammation for a short period. They are well worth experimenting with, just be aware that some people are more receptive to either heat or cold than others.

TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation): This procedure is usually conducted by a physiotherapist and is nowhere near as complicated as it may sound! It works by applying electrical waves to try and numb the nerves in the spine that are receiving the pain signals. It is entirely non-intrusive and painless and is set up very similar to an ECG scan.

Physical therapy: This can be extremely useful for anyone suffering long term pain in their hips, especially if the cause is osteoarthritis. The focus will be on keeping the muscles as strong and flexible as possible, counteracting the stiffness that can be built up due to long periods of immobility. Such therapies are generally led by a qualified therapist who will establish an activity plan to be followed a few times every day.

Complementary Therapies For Hip Pain

There are plenty of supportive treatments that have a good record of helping people cope with hip pain. Many of these can also be used for non-arthritic hip problems too. Unlike pharmaceutical medications, they do not aim to completely remove the pain but instead to lessen the severity and help people learn how to manage it. Some of these are very simple and can be self-administered while others require skilled professional assistance.

physical therapy

Options For Complementary Therapy

Hot & cold packs: these are applied directly to the painful areas and help immediately reduce inflammation for a short period. They are well worth experimenting with, just be aware that some people are more receptive to either heat or cold than others.

TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation): This procedure is usually conducted by a physiotherapist and is nowhere near as complicated as it may sound! It works by applying electrical waves to try and numb the nerves in the spine that are receiving the pain signals. It is entirely non-intrusive and painless and is set up very similar to an ECG scan.

Physical therapy: This can be extremely useful for anyone suffering long term pain in their hips, especially if the cause is osteoarthritis. The focus will be on keeping the muscles as strong and flexible as possible, counteracting the stiffness that can be built up due to long periods of immobility. Such therapies are generally led by a qualified therapist who will establish an activity plan to be followed a few times every day.

Final Thoughts

The most essential aspect of hip pain is that the problem is so common that there’s a huge variety of potential treatments available. Many people are able to live full and active lives even when suffering problems with their hips after seeing a physiotherapist or physical therapy.

Chiropractic
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Our Healthcare Experts Can Help

Where Is Hip Flexor Pain Felt?

In the groin area where the pelvis and thigh touch. This pain is commonly caused by a muscle strain or when you lift more weight than your body can take. You can identify that you hurt this part of your body when walking up and down the stairs causes you pain. Wearing a compressor wrap can help you keep the area more stable.

If you have tried every home remedy and the pain does not go away, call us to set an appointment and treat you as soon as possible. Our competent specialist will help you identify the problem and work with you to free you from chronic pain. Our services include cold laser therapy, digital motion X-ray, trigger point injections, and more.

  • Intense and sharp pain is a sign of a serious injury
  • If you can’t walk or are limping you should see a specialist
  • If you notice swelling and/or fever in the groin area
  • If your bones are cracking that might be due to a lack of vitamin D or calcium
  • If you have arthritis and feel pain in the hip area during cold weather stay as active as possible and consult your doctor for more information

Bridge exercises help your muscles gain strength and improve your posture. Water exercise is highly recommended by physical therapists because of the low impact on your muscles. Cold compresses to alleviate the pain, reduce inflammation and swelling. The best advice is to visit a specialist for lasting results.

Yes, a chiropractor can identify the exact part of your body that is injured and create a personalized treatment for you. Schedule an appointment to start a life free of pain. Our doctors and chiropractors will evaluate you and offer you top medical services near you.

Call Now
Dr. Salter

Greg Salter

MSN, ARNP
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HAVE  QUESTIONS?

Our Healthcare Experts Can Help

Where Is Hip Flexor Pain Felt?

In the groin area where the pelvis and thigh touch. This pain is commonly caused by a muscle strain or when you lift more weight than your body can take. You can identify that you hurt this part of your body when walking up and down the stairs causes you pain. Wearing a compressor wrap can help you keep the area more stable.

If you have tried every home remedy and the pain does not go away, call us to set an appointment and treat you as soon as possible. Our competent specialist will help you identify the problem and work with you to free you from chronic pain. Our services include cold laser therapy, digital motion X-ray, trigger point injections, and more.

  • Intense and sharp pain is a sign of a serious injury
  • If you can’t walk or are limping you should see a specialist
  • If you notice swelling and/or fever in the groin area
  • If your bones are cracking that might be due to a lack of vitamin D or calcium
  • If you have arthritis and feel pain in the hip area during cold weather stay as active as possible and consult your doctor for more information

Bridge exercises help your muscles gain strength and improve your posture. Water exercise is highly recommended by physical therapists because of the low impact on your muscles. Cold compresses to alleviate the pain, reduce inflammation and swelling. The best advice is to visit a specialist for lasting results.

Yes, a chiropractor can identify the exact part of your body that is injured and create a personalized treatment for you. Schedule an appointment to start a life free of pain. Our doctors and chiropractors will evaluate you and offer you top medical services near you.

Call Now

TALK TO OUR TEAM TODAY

Dr. Salter

Greg Salter

MSN, ARNP
Thank you for your message. It has been sent.
There was an error trying to send your message. Please try again later.

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