Hip pain can be a very frustrating condition, and it is crucial to seek the help of a qualified orthopaedic specialist as soon as possible. The pain you feel in your hip may be due to an injury or infection. The best way to treat hip pain Myrtle Beach is with physiotherapy, which involves exercise and other methods to restore function to your hip joints.
Hip pain is usually caused by an injury or overuse of the joint itself. Unlike knee pain, hip pain is often not associated with swelling or bruising, but some people experience these symptoms as well. Pain may also radiate down the thigh or into one leg at times.
Here are the causes and treatment options for hip pain.
Causes of hip pain
Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of the joints. It can affect the hips, wrists, knees, and other joints. The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). OA occurs when cartilage in the hip joint wears down over time. RA, which affects about 1 percent of people older than 65, has no known cause but usually develops from an earlier infection or injury to the joint.
Hip fracture
The most common cause of hip pain is a broken hip that results from osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones lose calcium, which causes them to become weak and brittle. When you have osteoporosis, it can be difficult for your hip to support itself, particularly if it has been broken or injured.
Inguinal hernia
Inguinal hernias are caused by a weak abdominal wall that allows organs to push through it, like fatty tissue or an intestine. The most common cause is obesity, which can weaken the abdominal muscles and tissues supporting the hip joint. Hernias are more common in older adults than younger people and may more likely occur in women than men.
Labral tears
Hip pain is one of the most common problems that patients face. This is because the hip joint is a very important part of our body and has to work perfectly with other joints. If you have hip pain, then it is likely that there are some problems in your hip joint. One of the most common reasons for this is labral tears.
Labral tears occur when the cartilage at the end of the femur (thigh bone) tears or becomes damaged due to trauma or overuse. An injury can also cause it to the ligaments around your hips, like an automobile accident or sports injury. These injuries can result in pain and inflammation, leading to a torn labrum or other damage if left untreated.
What is the best treatment for hip pain?
Several treatments can be used to help relieve hip pain. For example, physical therapy may be an effective treatment option if you have a specific cause of your pain.
Your doctor may recommend the following in addition to physical therapy:
Rest: Your hip joint needs time to heal. Avoid activities that put stress on your hips until they are fully healed.
Ice: After the activity, apply an ice pack to the area for 20 minutes several times a day. Make sure to remove it before eating or drinking anything hot.
Heat: Apply heat directly over the painful area for 10 minutes every two hours. Do not place direct heat above the thigh bone (tibia). You may also use warm water compresses or soak in a tub of warm water for 10 minutes at a time, several times per day.
Hip pain is the most common reason for people to see their doctor. It can greatly impact your quality of life and cause you to miss work or school. Hip pain is caused by physical damage to the hip joint. The cartilage that cushions your joints can wear down over time, which causes pain and discomfort. If you have hip pain, seek help from the United Physician Group.