Generally, hip pain is not a serious symptom and can be treated at home by applying hot water bags to the hip and resting area, avoiding impact exercises like running or climbing stairs, for example. See how the application of heat should be in: When to use hot or cold compress.
However, when hip pain is severe, persistent, lasts longer than 15 days, and does not improve with rest and with painkillers such as Dipirone, or appears to worsen, it is recommended to consult an orthopedist because it may be a sign of a problem such as arthritis, osteoarthritis or bursitis, for example.
Main causes of hip pain
Hip pain can be caused by:
1. Compression of the sciatic nerve
In this case the pain is in the hip, especially in the back, of the butt, and radiates to the leg and can have a burning sensation or difficulty to move.
What to do: If you suspect you should go to the doctor to do tests to prove that there is some nerve involvement, take analgesics and anti-inflammatories, depending on the severity of the pain, and start physical therapy. You should also rest and avoid doing impact activities like running, tennis or soccer, for example. Learn more about sciatica treatment.
2. Bursitis in the hip
In the case of bursitis in the hip the pain is deep, affects the middle of the joint and radiates from the lateral part of the thigh, the most indicated examination is the magnetic resonance
What to do: go to the doctor to perform tests that can evidence the condition and start treatment that can be done with hot compresses, take dipyrone and other anti-inflammatory drugs, elongate the fascia lata tensor muscle, located on the side of the thigh, close to the knee and it is also important to lose weight.
3. Arthritis or arthritis
In people over 60, hip pain is usually a sign of arthritis, osteoporosis, or even osteoporosis, causing increased pain when walking, sitting or doing other activities that mobilize the hip joint.
What to do: One should consult an orthopedist to start treatment with anti-inflammatories, such as Diclofenac or Ibuprofen, and do physiotherapy sessions to reduce inflammation of the joint. Here's how to treat arthrosis on the hip.
4. Rheumatism
When the person is over 50, this pain may be being caused by arthritis, rheumatism or arthrosis due to inflammation and progressive wear of the hip joint.
What to do: An orthopedist should be consulted to start treatment with anti-inflammatories such as Diclofenac or Ibuprofen. While waiting for the consultation you can apply warm compresses to the hip for 15 minutes and pass an anti-inflammatory ointment.
5. Tendonitis
Tendonitis usually causes pain in the hip joint that worsens when doing exercises, walking or running, the pain may be in weight form that indicates the presence of a muscle injury or tendonitis, especially after the gym for example.
What to do: Put a warm compress on the hip for 15 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day for at least 3 days and apply an anti-inflammatory ointment, such as Cataflam or Traumeel, for example. Check out other tips on: Tendinitis in the hip.
6. Hip fracture
When the pain is very intense and uncomfortable to walk and it is difficult for the person to sit or stand up, there may be a suspicion of fracture, especially when it comes to the elderly, or when the pain arises after an accident involving a car or motorcycle.
What to do: In case of an accident you should immediately call the SAMU by calling 192 because the treatment is done with surgery. In the case of the elderly it is also advisable to seek medical help as soon as possible. Learn more about how to identify and what treatments can be done here.
When the pain in the hip is delayed or very intense, the individual should consult an orthopedist to diagnose the cause and initiate appropriate treatment, which may include medication, changes in eating habits or even surgery. Learn more about surgery in: Hip arthroplasty.
7. Hip pain in pregnancy
Hip pain in pregnancy affects about half of pregnant women and is due to the effect of relaxin on bones and joints. In this way, the hip joint becomes looser and generates more discomfort, especially if the pregnant woman adopts poor posture during the day.
What to do: To reduce hip pain in pregnancy, a woman can use a hip brace that helps reduce joint mobility and improve well-being.
Also see, in the following video, how to relieve pain with natural painkillers:
Warning signs to go to the doctor
It is advised to go to the doctor or seek an orthopedist when the hip pain is very strong, appears suddenly, makes it impossible to perform movements such as walking and sitting or it takes more than 1 month to disappear.
