Hip pain

Alternative names:

pain in the hip

Home care:

Try to avoid activities that are painful or that aggravate the hip pain.

Avoid pain medication as much as possible, because the medication can mask pain messages and allow physical activity that would unduly stress, and possibly injure the joint. Take anti-inflammatory medication as prescribed by the doctor.

As the pain begins to resolve, exercise (consisting mostly of stretching and rotation) should be gradually introduced. Swimming, because it stretches the muscles and builds good muscle tone, is recommended after the pain goes away. Cycling or walking can be done gradually.

Call your health care provider if:

• hip pain is caused by trauma or injury.
• hip pain persists after 1 week of home treatment.
• the pain is associated with a fever, or if the pain is severe.
• the hip is unable to bear any weight, or if walking is impossible.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your hip pain in detail may include:

• distribution
  • Is the pain in both hips (symmetrical)?
  • Does the pain shift from the hip to other joints (migrating)?
  • Is the pain in the hip and thigh?

• time pattern
  • Did the symptom begin suddenly, or slowly and mildly?
  • Did the symptom resolve spontaneously in less than 6 weeks?
  • Did the hip pain begin after an injury or accident?

• quality
  • Did the pain begin in the hip?
  • Did the pain begin in the back and then radiate to the hip?
  • How severe is the pain?

• other
  • What other symptoms are present?
  • Can you walk?

Physical examination will include particular attention to the hip and its range of motion. X-rays of the hip may be necessary.

Intervention:
Anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed or the dosage increased. Surgery for total hip replacement may be recommended. This operation is almost always successful in stopping pain and may help mobility considerably. An artificial hip should last at least 10 to 15 years with current technology. Complications from surgery are not uncommon. Deep venous thrombosis is the most common complication.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to hip pain, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.