Hip Pain

Hip pain is most commonly found in the elderly but depending on the cause of the pain, it can occur in anyone. The cause of the pain is brought on by a wide variety of conditions or diseases, like arthritis. The location of the hip pain can help to determine the cause and treatment options for the pain. If the pain is located around the hip or groin area, it is usually because of issues with the hip joint. If the pain is located outside of the hip area, like in the lower back or upper thigh, the reason is normally because of issues with the muscles, ligaments, tendons, or other soft tissues around the hips. The most common symptom of hip pain is: discomfort or pain in the hip, thigh, groin, buttocks, and sometimes in the lower back.

Commonly Linked Conditions

  • Arthritis
  • Injury
  • Pinched Nerves
  • Cancer
  • Hip Fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tendinitis
  • Muscle or Tendon Strain

When Should I See a Doctor?

If your hip pain is minor, you may not need to see a doctor right away. At home care like resting, over-the-counter pain relievers, applying ice or heat, and stretching the pain area should help to alleviate the pain. If self-care doesn’t help to ease the pain, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. If you experience any of these symptoms or issues, seek attention immediately:

  • Intense and/or sudden pain
  • Injury to the hip
  • Deformed joint
  • Unable to put weight or move the painful area
  • Sudden swelling
  • Signs of infection (fever, chills, redness)

Risk Factors & Preventions

Common risk factors for hip pain are:

Age

The risk of suffering from hip pain increases along with age. While hip pain can occur in any age group, the most common age people begin to suffer from it begins around the 60s. It is helpful to be aware of your body. Figuring out how your body works and the best ways you can improve your health can help prevent future hip pain.

Weight

Being overweight causes extra stress on your hip joints. Maintaining a healthy body weight can reduce the chances of hip pain.

Diseases

Certain diseases like arthritis and cancer can cause various symptoms, including hip pain. While diseases like these can’t necessarily be prevented, it’s important to know how you can manage any pain they may cause.

Alcohol

The overuse of alcohol has been shown to increase joint pain.

How Alabama Pain Physicians Can Help

At Alabama Pain Physicians, our goal is to better the quality of life of our patients. We take your pain seriously and strive to establish an accurate diagnosis along with a treatment plan to ultimately minimize your pain. To determine the exact cause of you hip pain, our physicians will perform a physical exam and use your complete medical history to help find the best treatment option suited for you. In addition to the physical exam and history, you may also need imaging studies and test to help the physician determine the cause of your hip pain. Contact Alabama Pain Physicians today and let us help get you on the right track to managing your pain.