Definition
Hip pain involves any pain in or around the hip joint.
Causes
Two possible causes of hip pain are fractures and insufficient blood flow to the hip (aseptic necrosis).
A hip fracture can change the quality of your life significantly. Fewer than 50% of those with a hip fracture return to their former level of activity. In addition, while recovering from a hip fracture, several possible complications can be life-threatening. These include pneumonia and a blood clot in the leg , which can dislodge and travel to cause a clot in the lungs . Both are due to immobility following a hip fracture and hip surgery.
Hip fractures become more common as people age because falls are more likely and bones become less ...
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Definition
Hip pain involves any pain in or around the hip joint.
Causes
Two possible causes of hip pain are fractures and insufficient blood flow to the hip (aseptic necrosis).
A hip fracture can change the quality of your life significantly. Fewer than 50% of those with a hip fracture return to their former level of activity. In addition, while recovering from a hip fracture, several possible complications can be life-threatening. These include pneumonia and a blood clot in the leg , which can dislodge and travel to cause a clot in the lungs . Both are due to immobility following a hip fracture and hip surgery.
Hip fractures become more common as people age because falls are more likely and bones become less dense. People with osteoporosis can get a fracture from simple, everyday activities, not just a dramatic fall or injury.
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Considerations
Hip-related pain is not always felt directly over the hip. Instead, you may feel it in the middle of your thigh or in your groin. Similarly, pain you feel in the hip may actually reflect a problem in your back, rather than your hip itself.
See: Low back pain
Home Care
- Try to avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Sleep on your non-painful side with a pillow between your legs.
A hip fracture is considered a medical emergency. Therefore, if suspected, you should be seen right away.
As the pain improves, gradually begin to exercise. It is best to work with a physical therapist to learn proper exercises and how to advance your activity. Swimming may be a good option because it stretches the muscles and builds good muscle tone without straining your hip joint. However, swimming does not build bone mass. When you are ready (a physical therapist can help determine that), slowly and carefully resume walking or another activity against the resistance of gravity.
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Prevention
- Avoid activities that raise one of your hips above the other for extended periods of time, like running on an uneven surface. Running on a treadmill can keep your hips level.
- Warm up before exercising and cool down afterward. Stretch your hips, low back, and thighs.
- Avoid falls.
- Wear hip pads for contact sports like football and hockey. For those at high risk for a hip fracture, pads with a streamline design can be worn in undergarments.
- Learn how to prevent osteoporosis.
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References
Wong TK, Lee RY. Effects of low back pain on the relationship between the movements of the lumbar spine and hip. Hum Mov Sci . 2004; 23(1): 21-34.
Dohnke B, Knauper B, Muller-Fahrnow W. Perceived self-efficacy gained from, and health effects of, a rehabilitation program after hip joint replacement. Arthritis Rheum . 2005; 53(4): 585-592.
Tak E, Staats P, Van Hespen A, Hopman-Rock M. The effects of an exercise program for older adults with osteoarthritis of the hip. J Rheumatol . 2005; 32(6): 1106-1113.
