Hip Pain: Causes and Treatment

Hip pain is extremely common, especially among older adults. We’ve all had that moment where just getting out of bed is a challenge, but if that moment lasts longer than you’d prefer, it’s time to consider what’s causing your hip pain and seek treatment in Napa County, CA.

What causes hip pain?

Hip pain can be felt in the joints themselves, as well as the groin, glutes and thighs. Pain from other injuries, such as the back or legs, can radiate or travel to the hips, causing further discomfort, and you may notice that your range of motion has diminished. Here are some of the most common hip pain causes in Napa County, CA:

• Bursitis: The hip joints have “ball bearings” that allow your leg bones to move within the sockets. The bursae are fluid-filled, and when they’re inflamed, they can cause considerable pain.
• Arthritis: Arthritis may primarily affect older adults, but it can happen at any age. Arthritis occurs when the cartilage wears down and the joints are inflamed—this can be due to infection, “wear and tear” or genetic conditions.
• Injury: Sprains, strains, tears, hernias and tendonitis can all lead to hip pain, which is especially noticeable when walking. If you’ve recently injured yourself, be sure to tell your doctor and physical therapist so they can devise an appropriate course of action.
• Nerve issues: Pinched nerves and nerve damage, such as sciatica, sacroiliitis and meralgia paresthetica can cause hip pain thanks to inflammation or misalignments putting too much pressure on the sciatic nerve.
• Bone disease or damage: Broken hips, dislocation and even cancer and leukemia can cause hip pain (your physical therapist will rule out less serious causes before you should worry whether you have cancer).
• Gait: When one side of your body is weaker than the other, or you rely heavily on one side due to injury or strain, your muscles will compensate, which can cause hip pain.

How to treat hip pain

Treatments for hip pain will depend on what the underlying cause is, but for most problems, physical therapy can help strengthen your muscles, reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on your hips. Your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter pain medication, weight loss, numbing creams and other practical ways to treat the less-serious common causes.

If you visit a physical therapist for your hip pain, they will first work to determine the underlying cause of your hip pain, then prescribe certain modalities for you. These can include specific exercises, massage and manual therapy, chiropractic adjustments and lifestyle changes, such as supportive shoes and using ergonomic office equipment.

Get hip pain treatment in Napa County, CA

Focus Forward Wellness & Physical Therapy takes a holistic approach to wellness, offering various treatments and exercises to relieve the underlying causes of your hip pain. Whether you come to us for an injury, strain or chronic condition, we’re dedicated to making sure we address your pain in a safe, non-invasive manner. Get in touch with us today to schedule your next appointment.

Categorised in: Joint Pain

This post was written by Writer