How is hip pain treated?
Which treatments you need for hip pain depends on what’s causing it. A healthcare provider will suggest treatments based on the pain’s severity and its cause.
RICE method for hip pain
You can usually treat hip pain at home with the RICE method:
- Rest:Stop the physical activity that caused the pain to avoid making the injury worse.
- Ice:Apply an ice pack or cold compress for 10 to 15 minutes every hour for the first day after your injury. After one day, you can apply ice every three to four hours. Don’t apply ice directly to your skin (wrap the ice pack in a towel or washcloth).
- Compression:Compression helps reduce blood flow to your injured hip and reduces swelling. Apply a compression bandage or wrap around your hip. You can also wear compression shorts or pants to help keep pressure on your hip.
- Elevation:If possible, lift your hips and lower body above the level of your heart. Support your leg with pillows, blankets or cushions.
Medications for hip pain
Your healthcare provider might suggest medications to relieve the hip pain and any other symptoms you’re experiencing.
Most people can take over-the-counter NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®). Don’t take these medications for more than 10 days in a row without talking to your provider.
Physical therapy for hip pain
Your provider might suggest physical therapy if you have arthritis or a structural issue that’s causing pain. A physical therapist will show you stretches and exercises that strengthen the muscles around your affected hip. This should improve your stability and can relieve pain.
Hip surgery
Most people with hip pain won’t need surgery. But your provider may suggest it if the pain is severe and other treatments haven’t helped. You might need surgery to repair a hip fracture or structural issue.
Hip arthroscopy is the most common type of surgery to treat most causes of hip pain. Your surgeon will make a few small incisions (cuts) in the skin of your hip, and then insert a special tool called an arthroscope into your hip joint. The arthroscope includes a camera and a light that lets your surgeon identify and repair damage inside of your hip.
You might need a hip replacement (hip arthroplasty). Your surgeon will replace your hip with an artificial implant (a prosthesis). Your provider might recommend a hip replacement if pain and other symptoms in your hip affect your ability to stand, walk and move.
Your surgeon will tell you what to expect and how long it will take to recover.
How can I prevent hip pain?
You might not always be able to prevent hip pain, especially if it’s caused by an accident you can’t plan for or an issue with the natural shape of your hip joint.
During sports or other physical activities:
- Wear the right protective equipment.
- Don’t “play through the pain” if your hip hurts during or after physical activity.
- Give your body time to rest and recover after intense activity.
- Stretch and warm up before playing sports or working out.
- Cool down and stretch after physical activity.
Follow these general safety tips to reduce your risk of an injury:
- Make sure your home and workspace are free from clutter that could trip you or others.
- Always use the proper tools or equipment at home to reach things. Never stand on chairs, tables or countertops.
- Use a cane or walker if you have difficulty walking or have an increased risk of falls.
