5 Reasons Your Hip Hurts and How to Ease Hip Pain

Chronic pain is ubiquitous in the United States.

Over 20% of the population are said to experience it! That’s a whopping 1 in 5 people who suffer the debilitating effects of constant physical pain.

Of course, the source and extent of the pain vary for everyone. From heads to shoulders and knees and toes, pain tends not to discriminate.

Needless to say, though, it’s never pleasant. But of all the areas that pain can be a problem, few are more debilitating than the hip.

Life is exponentially harder when your hip hurts. Everything from working and walking to standing and tying your shoelaces and becomes a challenge. The good news is that there are usually ways to ease the pain involved.

Looking to understand more about your hip pain and how to make it better?

Read on for 5 key reasons your hip might be hurting (and ways to ease the suffering).

5 Causes of Hip Pain

Let’s start with the potential reasons your hip hurts. Here are 5 causes of hip pain:

1. Fractures

Hip fractures can, of course, be a serious source of hip pain.

However, it’s generally older adults who suffer them. That’s thanks to a combination of brittle bones and an increased likelihood of falls.

Have you fallen over recently (or suffered any other form of recent impact)? Any sharp, agonizing pain in your hip that followed could be the result of a fracture.

In this case, you should seek immediate medical care. A hip fracture can lead to serious complications, such as blood clots. Getting swift medical support is crucial for preventing these kinds of eventualities.

Expect physical therapy and possible hip surgery to follow.

2. Osteo or Rheumatoid Arthritis

Suffering from longstanding hip pain?

Well, you might be developing arthritis in your hip. This is one of the most common causes of hip pain out there, and, as you may have realized, it isn’t fun.

The symptoms include stiffness, aching joints, and generalized pain in the area. You might be struggling to walk or run as you have in the past. If the pain gets steadily worse, then that’s another sign arthritis is the problem.

Statistically speaking, it’s probably osteoarthritis (OA). This is when the cartilage around the joint (in this case, in your hip) has begun to wear down as a result of age.

Rheumatoid is less common but no less painful. Here, your immune system’s turned against you and is attacking the joint.

3. Tendonitis

Tendonitis is a fancy term for having inflamed tendons.

Your tendons attach muscle to bone and can become inflamed if they’re put to work a lot. In other words, excessive amounts of exercise put the tendons under strain and can lead to inflammation.

This is the most probable reason for your hip pain. It isn’t fun at the time, but you can, at least, expect a full recovery after a few days.

4. Bursitis

The full name for this potential cause of hip pain is trochanteric bursitis.

Like most people, you may never have heard of it!

It’s all to do with what’s called the ‘bursa’, though. This is a fluid-filled sack that sits next to the joint of your hip. Trochanteric bursitis is the medical term given for inflammation of the bursa.

Similar to tendonitis, the issue can be caused by using the joint too much. Unlike tendonitis, though, it could also be to do with hip injuries and problems with your posture.

5. Strains (of Muscles of Tendons)

Too much of anything in life is bad for you.

It’s the same story for your hips. Similar to the cause of tendonitis, constant repetition of certain actions or activities can strain your muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Pain ensues when that strain occurs around your hip. Any inflammation or irritation in that area can lead to impaired hip function and discomfort.

How to Treat Hip Pain

Let’s turn to possible ways to ease the hip pain you’re in.

It’s worth noting how the appropriate treatment will depend on the diagnosis though! Always consult with your GP before taking steps to resolve the issue.

Here are a few things they might suggest:

Rest

Sometimes all you need is a bit of rest.

Avoid serious activity for a few days after you first experience the pain. Take it easy and avoid unnecessary movement. In the case of tendonitis and other minor strains, this might be sufficient to rectify the issue.

Combining rest with a quality mattress for hip pain can also make a difference.

Be wary if the pain returns though. It could be a sign of more serious underlying issues that should be addressed by a medical professional.

Pain Medication

Doctors will often prescribe medication to relieve the pain involved.

Medication isn’t a solve-all, but it can definitely make it easier to ignore the pain and go about your day. In cases of arthritis, it may reduce the levels of stiffness in your hip as well. You’ll enjoy increased mobility in the process.

Suffering an injury that’s led to the pain in your hip? A combination of rest and medication is usually what the doctor orders (literally).

Physiotherapy

Last but not least is physiotherapy.

Physio can be used as an effective treatment for many causes of hip pain. For instance, you’ll almost certainly require it following a fracture and hip surgery.

The physio teaches you exercises and stretches that rectify the problem and reduce the pain involved. The doctor will let you know if physio is appropriate and be able to suggest a quality practitioner for the job.

Now You Know Why Your Hip Hurts

Tens of millions of people around the US exist in a near-constant state of pain.

For many of them, it’ll be their hips that are causing the trouble. Seeking necessary treatment is vital to help relieve the strain and prevent it from getting worse.

Hopefully, if your hip hurts, then this post will help you to identify the problem and access appropriate support.

Search ‘health’ on the website to read more articles like this one!