What is hip pain?
Hip pain is just that: pain, swelling, or general discomfort that affects one or both of your hips. Your hip joints are tough and incredibly durable, but they regularly experience wear-and-tear as a result of walking, running, and other routine activities.
Hip pain affects people of all ages and backgrounds, but you’re particularly at risk if you’re an active individual who plays sports or you’re living with a chronic degenerative condition like arthritis.
What are some common causes of hip pain?
Hip pain occurs for a variety of reasons. The pain management specialists at Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine regularly diagnose and treat hip pain caused by:
- Arthritis
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Sciatica
- Muscle strain
You might also experience hip pain as a result of a hematoma or avascular necrosis. Avascular necrosis occurs if your hip bone doesn’t receive adequate blood supply.
What are the symptoms of hip pain?
Hip pain varies from person to person and depends on the underlying cause. Telltale signs of hip pain include:
- Groin pain
- Warmth
- Swelling of your hip
- Hip tenderness
- Trouble sleeping on your hip
As hip pain progresses and gets worse, you might also have trouble putting weight on your affected hip or experience immobility.
How is hip pain diagnosed?
To diagnose hip pain, your Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine provider reviews your medical history, asks you questions about your symptoms, and conducts a physical exam.
During your exam, your provider rotates your hip and applies light pressure to pinpoint the source of your swelling and discomfort.
If these tests don’t provide enough information, your provider might also recommend diagnostic imaging by taking a series of X-rays or ordering magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
After locating the source of your hip pain, your Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine provider develops a custom treatment plan to improve your symptoms and quality of life.
How is hip pain treated?
At Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine, the pain management specialists use conservative treatments designed to promote your body’s natural healing process. Your treatment may include:
- Physical therapy and rehabilitative exercises
- Bracing or splinting
- Athletic taping
- Hot or cold therapy
- Steroid injections and other joint injections
- Regenerative medicine, such as stem cell therapy
- Electrical stimulation
- Acupuncture and electroacupuncture
- Botox® injections
- Osteopathic manipulation treatment (OMT)
- Limited use of medications when necessary
If you’re suffering from hip pain, don’t wait to seek treatment. Make an appointment at Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine today by calling the office.
