How to Know If It's Time to Speak to a Doctor About Hip Pain

How to Know If It’s Time to Speak to a Doctor About Hip Pain

Hip pain is the pain that catches one around the hip joint. In most cases, the pain is on the hip itself, but sometimes one might experience it on the groin or thigh. Hip pain is common among adults, and it can cause functional disability. The pain is especially among adults who play sports and those older than sixty years.

Causes of Hip Pain

Hip pain comes as a result of many causes, including:

Inflamed Tendons

Tendonitis, often known as tendon inflammation, is the most typical root cause of hip pain. Tendonitis is often a result of exercising too hard. This ailment can cause significant discomfort, but recovery takes only a few days in most cases.

Arthritis

Arthritis is the most prevalent cause of hip pain. Arthritis can result in pain, stiff and sore joints, and walking difficulties.

Trochanteric Bursitis

Trochanteric bursitis is another condition that may contribute to hip pain. Inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac located close to the hip joint, causes this trochanteric bursitis to manifest itself. Hip discomfort can also be caused by other illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This illness affects women more frequently than it does men.

Hip Fractures

Hip fractures are very common, especially in older people and people who have osteoporosis, which is a condition in which the bones become abnormally fragile due to either aging or other circumstances. Fractures of the hip can come on quite suddenly and can produce significant hip pain; these symptoms demand immediate medical attention. A fractured hip can lead to several consequences, one of which is the formation of a blood clot in the lower leg. In most cases, surgical intervention is necessary to treat a hip fracture. To make a full recovery, you will most certainly require physical treatment.

When to See the Doctor

In most cases, hip joint pain goes on its own. If it persists, you can the following self-care tips.

· Ice or Heat: You can use ice cubes and apply them to the hip. Alternatively, you can use a hot bath to relax your muscles.

· Pain relievers: You can take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and Tylenol if the pain persists.

· Rest: Avoid bending the joint in pain and sleeping on the painful side.

If the pain persists for several days, even after trying self-care tips, you should visit the doctor for examination. The doctor will come up with a plan to treat and manage your pain and treat the condition. However, you should get in touch with the doctor immediately if you notice your hip bleeding or exposed bone and muscle. Additionally, if your hip appears deformed or swollen, you should visit the doctor as soon as possible.

Severe pain should also prompt you to seek a doctor’s help, especially if the pain is accompanied by swelling, soreness, warmth, tenderness, and redness. If the pain is caused by septic arthritis and is left untreated, it can lead to deformed joints. Therefore, strive to get professional help to avoid things from moving from bad to worse.