Hip pain is inconvenient and unpleasant, but it’s easy to think you can shrug it off. Some home remedies, such as hot showers or stretches, might give you some temporary relief. Even if you can tough it out for weeks and months, you shouldn’t have to power through chronic pain.
So, when do you need to seek medical intervention for hip pain? Read on to find out if you may have hip arthritis and need a doctor.
What Is Hip Arthritis?
Cartilage helps joints glide smoothly during motion. Arthritis causes the deterioration of the cartilage in your joints, which then causes inflammation and degeneration. A person with arthritis may experience joint pain, swelling, immobility, and stiffness.
There are over 100 types of arthritis. If you experience stiffness and hip pain along with pain along your groin, thigh, or buttocks, you may have hip arthritis. Other symptoms of hip arthritis include:
- Pain that worsens when you walk and stand
- Pain when moving your hips
- Sudden pain when you stand up after a prolonged period of sitting down
- Difficulty crouching and crossing your legs
When Do You Need to See a Doctor?
The cause of your hip pain might be more complex than you imagine. Aside from the common symptoms of hip arthritis highlighted above, you should see a doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Swelling in the area
- Decreased range of motion that affects your daily activities
- Weakness, instability, or immobility
- Warmth around the hip joint
- Joint deformity
- Fever or chills
- Hip pain that does not go away with rest
Several risk factors could contribute to you developing hip arthritis. If any of these risk factors apply to you, it’s best to consult your doctor to understand your risk of hip arthritis and to know what you can do to reduce your risk.
- Family History People with immediate relatives who have been diagnosed with arthritis are more likely to have the same condition.
- Age Our joints degenerate as we age. Older people are therefore more at risk of arthritis.
- Weight Excess weight places additional stress on your joints, increasing the rate at which they wear down.
- Work or Sports-Related Activities Repetitive motions may cause inflammation or excessive wear on your joints. High-impact activities like running or contact sports can also damage your joint lining.
- Prior Injuries If you’ve had an injury that didn’t heal correctly, you may be more likely to develop arthritis.
What To Look For In A Doctor
When seeking medical attention, make sure your physician is board-certified and fellowship-trained. You also want to determine that they are an expert in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of your specific condition.
Your doctor should work with you to treat your health problems. Together, you’ll identify the treatment plan best suited to your needs and lifestyle. So, look for a doctor who respects and listens to you, explains information patiently and comprehensively, and is open to answering your questions and concerns.
What Are The Treatment Options For Hip Pain?
If hip arthritis is the cause of your hip pain, your doctor can recommend the appropriate medication and treatment for your condition.
Arthritis has no cure, so most treatment methods will focus on managing symptoms. As such, your doctor will likely recommend:
- Physical therapy
- Pain medication
- Therapeutic injections
- PRP therapy
- Alternative medicine, such as acupuncture
Your doctor will exhaust all non-invasive treatment methods before recommending surgery. However, if your hip arthritis is severe, surgery might be your best option for treatment. The type of surgery for hip arthritis varies depending on your needs. These include:
- Anterior Hip Replacement This less invasive procedure requires smaller incisions on the anterior part of your hip.
- Partial Hip Replacement The damaged ball section of the hip will be replaced by metal, ceramic, or plastic parts in this procedure.
- Total Hip Replacement This surgery removes the damaged ball and socket and replaces it with prosthetics.
- Hip Resurfacing Rather than replace your hip bones, hip resurfacing removes damaged cartilage and bone. Then, a metal cap is placed on the trimmed bone while a metal shell is placed on the hip socket.
Hip Arthritis Relief in North Dakota
Hip arthritis can cause debilitating pain, which then affects your overall quality of life. If you have more questions about arthritis and how to seek treatment for this condition, The Bone & Joint Center can help you find long-term solutions to your hip pain and more.
Treating the Upper Midwest at 9 convenient locations, The Bone & Joint Center has provided quality healthcare since its establishment in 1974. Our clinics ensure you get the medical attention you need and keep you on track for recovery.
For any inquiries or concerns, you can reach us at (800) 424-2663. To schedule an appointment, you can call us at (701) 946-7400 or (866) 900-8650. Alternatively, you can fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to helping you manage your hip pain!
