The hip is one of the most important joints in the body. Healthy hips allow us to enjoy a wide range of motion and complete the daily activities that help us live better.
Unfortunately, the hip also undergoes a tremendous amount of wear and tear through our lives as we walk, run, sit and stand. Over time, many people begin experiencing debilitating hip pain.
Because the hip is instrumental to almost any body movement, hip pain can lead to immobility.
Fortunately, there are more options for treatment and pain relief for hip pain than ever before. Here’s what you should know about getting a diagnosis and finding the right treatment for you.
What Causes Hip Pain?
Hip pain can be caused by a number of conditions, including hip injury and failed hip replacement surgery.
The most common cause of pain in the hip joint is osteoarthritis .
As we age, our joints undergo normal wear and tear, and the cartilage that connects the joints thins. This can lead to inflammation, swelling and joint pain. Together, these symptoms are known as osteoarthritis. Aging, injury, and obesity are some of the key risk factors for osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause hip pain. RA is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s own immune system to attack healthy joint tissues. The joints then become inflamed, swollen and tender, leading to significant pain, especially during flares.
Hip fractures can also lead to significant pain and immobility. While fractures are most common in people over age 65, they can happen to people of any age.
Avascular necrosis is a rare but painful condition that causes bone tissue to die due to lack of blood supply. Individuals who develop avascular necrosis in the hip may feel pain in the groin, buttocks and upper thighs.
Other sources of hip pain are hip flexor strains, bursitis, tendonitis, and muscle tightness.
How Is Hip Pain Treated?
Hip pain related to sports injuries, muscle strains, and mild osteoarthritis can be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Rheumatoid arthritis-related pain can be treated using corticosteroids , DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) and biologics .
Physical therapy may also be recommended for hip injuries that don’t respond to traditional treatments.
If your hip pain persists despite continued treatment, your doctor may recommend a total hip replacement. Unfortunately, a failed hip replacement can cause chronic hip pain to return and even worsen. Pinched nerves, which lead to radiating hip pain, are also a risk following injury or surgery.
Hip Pain Treatment at PTCOA
Pain Treatment Centers of America offers a number of cutting edge treatments for hip pain:
- Nerve Block
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Trigger Point Injections
- Medical Management
Pain Treatment Centers of America offers 11 state-of-the-art pain treatment clinics across the state of Arkansas. Our team of pain specialists can help you find the treatment and relief you deserve to get back to living.
Learn more by finding a location or contacting us directly at (844) 215-0731 .
