Hip pain can strike at any time without warning. The pain may be confined to the joint itself or spread to the surrounding structures in your groin, back, and legs.
Hip pain can occur due to an acute injury, underlying disease, or structural deformity. Whatever the cause may be, joint pain can affect your quality of life.
Here are instances where it’s best to see an orthopedic specialist for medical attention.
Excessive Swelling
Swelling and tenderness are among the first signs of a hip problem. The swelling may occur internally or be visible in the outer skin. One of the potential causes of hip swelling is bursitis. This refers to a painful condition where the bursae, fluid-filled sacs near the joints, become inflamed due to pressure and trauma. Consult with your doctor if you notice swelling and redness or if a bruise or rash develops on the joint.
Hip Pain From a Bad Fall
If you’re experiencing severe pain in the hip or groin after a fall or accident, you may have sustained a hip fracture. Keep in mind that bone density and muscle mass decrease over time, making your bones more vulnerable to breaking. As such, there are cases where a hip fracture may occur when a patient with brittle bones suddenly twists their leg.
Even if you got up after falling, don’t hesitate to visit your doctor. Left untreated, a hip fracture can result in potentially life-threatening complications, such as:
- Blood clots in legs and lungs
- Bedsores
- Urinary tract infection
- Pneumonia
- Muscle loss
Most hip fractures require surgery to heal. Hip replacement surgery, which involves replacing the damaged joint with a prosthetic, can successfully treat hip fractures.
Worsening Hip Pain During Physical Activity
A common cause of hip pain is hip impingement or femoroacetabular impingement. It refers to a condition where the ball and socket of the hip joint don’t fit properly.
Hip impingement does not show any signs at its early stages. Once symptoms appear, you might feel a slight discomfort in the groin area. This can occur after flexing your hip when you tie your shoes. You might also notice the pain becoming pronounced during and after running, jumping, or sitting for a long time.
If your hip pain doesn’t subside within a week, it’s time to visit your doctor. You may need to undergo imaging tests to confirm whether you have a hip impingement. Most minor cases are treatable with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. If you don’t respond well to conservative treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery to treat the joint and correct the problem.
Persistent Hip Pain and Stiffness
When hip impingement syndrome is left untreated, it may lead to arthritis and trigger pain in the groin, thigh, and buttocks area. Whether it’s osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, painful flare-ups can impair movement, prevent you from physical activity, and even interfere with sleep.
If you find it hard to put weight on your hip, seek medical attention right away. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication or recommend assistive devices like crutches and walkers to reduce the pressure on your joints.
Physical therapy is an essential component of your arthritis treatment. A physical therapist will teach you exercises designed to strengthen your joints, boost your flexibility, and improve your range of motion. They may also perform massages and electric stimulation to provide pain relief.
When your arthritis is already in advanced stages, your doctor may recommend surgery. Osteotomy and joint replacement surgery are some surgical procedures used to treat hip arthritis.
Hip Doctor in North Dakota
When hip pain is left untreated, it may result in permanent disability. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, visit our experts at The Bone & Joint Center today.
Our orthopedic team can diagnose and treat a wide range of hip-related problems using conservative and surgical methods. Our very own Dr. Brian Dahl and Dr. Timothy Bopp have restored the normal hip function of countless patients with arthritis, hip fracture, and hip impingement syndrome.
To schedule an appointment, call (800) 424-2663 or fill out our online appointment request form. We have several locations across North Dakota to serve you. Give us a call today and find out how we can help you find relief from hip pain.
