Quick Relief For Hip Pain: Insights From Portland Wellness Care
Common Causes of Hip Pain
Hip pain can be affected by age, activity level, or underlying health conditions. Common hip pain causes may include:
- Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease that wears down cartilage
- Bursitis: Occurs when fluid-filled sacs called bursae that cushion the joints become inflamed
- Tendonitis: Inflames the tendons around the hip joint.
- Hip Flexor Pain: Pain caused by strain, or injury to muscles at the front of the hip and thigh.
- Labral Tears: Occurs when the cartilage around the hip socket is damaged.
- A Herniated Disc: Sciatic nerve pain that radiates from the lower back to the hip pain.
- Weakened Bones: A fall or injury can cause severe hip pain and reduced mobility.
- Avascular Necrosis: A condition where reduced blood flow leads to bone tissue death.
- Rheumatoid or Septic Arthritis: Can cause inflammation and hip joint damage.
Where Is Hip Pain Usually Felt?
Hip joint pain on the front of the hip, near the groin, indicates arthritis or labral tears. Pain on the side of the hip issue may be due to bursitis or tendonitis. Discomfort in the buttocks may suggest problems with the muscles, or tendons. Pain radiating down the thigh or knee may be referred
lower back pain caused by sciatica.
How Do I Get My Hips To Stop Hurting?: Fast Ways to Relieve Hip Pain at Home
- Rest your hip and avoid any activities that make the pain worse.
- To reduce inflammation, apply ice or use heat therapy to relax tight muscles.
- Perform stretching exercises to reduce discomfort and improve your flexibility.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for temporary relief.
Physical Therapy and Exercises for Lasting Hip Pain Relief
Physical therapy can be effective for achieving relief from hip pain. Physical therapists recommend stretches like hip flexors and butterfly stretches to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. Strengthening exercises, such as bridges and leg raises build muscle strength around the hip joint to improve stability. Walking and swimming are good low-impact exercises to promote joint health. With help from a professional physical therapist, you can add these exercises to your regular routine, reduce your hip pain, and improve your mobility.
What Is A Red Flag For Hip Pain?
Red flags may include persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest or treatment, sudden and severe pain following an injury, inability to bear weight on the affected hip, or visible deformity. Additional red flags include fever, redness, or warmth around the hip, which may indicate other health issues, and numbness or tingling, which might involve the nerves. Promptly consult a physician if you notice any of these symptoms.
Should I Keep Walking With Hip Pain?
Whether you should keep walking with hip pain depends on how much discomfort walking gives you and the cause of your hip pain. Low-impact movement can help you maintain flexibility and improve your circulation if you have mild hip pain. But, if the pain is sharp or severe, or following an injury, you should rest. Persistent pain may mean you have arthritis, bursitis, or tendon strain. A qualified health professional can determine the cause of your hip pain, and determine appropriate strategies to manage it.
When to Seek Immediate Care at Portland Wellness Care for Hip Pain
When hip pain is severe, especially after a fall or injury, or if you can’t bear weight, you need immediate medical attention. If you have swelling, redness, warmth in the joint, chills, or fever, these may indicate you have an infection, and need a physician to assess your hip. If you are experiencing tingling, numbness, weakness in your leg or foot, or chest pain and shortness of breath, your hip should be evaluated by a medical professional at Portland Wellness Care. Delaying proper treatment for your hip pain when any of these happen could lead to complications.
How to Prevent Future Hip Pain
To prevent future hip pain, incorporate low-impact exercise to strengthen the muscles supporting the hips and to improve joint flexibility. Supportive footwear can also reduce strain. Extra weight puts added stress on the hip joints so losing weight can be beneficial. A balanced diet rich in Vitamin D lowers the risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures. Avoid repetitive motions to safeguard your hips.
Treatment Options for Hip Pain Relief at Portland Wellness Care
Portland Wellness Care offers various pain relief options to help you cope with hip pain. We provide
chiropractic care, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy with treatments to reduce your pain, improve your mobility, and support your recovery from injuries and chronic health issues. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians and get the care you need.
