Are you experiencing hip pain? Most of the time, hip pain doesn’t go away. You feel like wanting to stop whatever you are doing once you start feeling it. There are many reasons why hip pain occurs. Perhaps you might be thinking about visiting an orthopedic doctor in Singapore, purchasing over-the-counter remedies or taking a day off from everything you’re planning to do.
The following conditions or injuries can cause hip pain:
- Osteoarthritis/hip arthritis
- Athletic pubalgia
- Labral tears
- Pelvic floor problems/gynaecological
- Bursitis
- Hip impingement
- Snapping hip syndrome
Symptoms of Hip Pain
The symptoms of hip pain from one person may vary for another person. The same goes for more ‘serious’ conditions of hip pain. Nonetheless, the few most common symptoms that one may experience will depend on the underlying ailment as the primary cause. For example, some hip pain may include stiffness if you have hip arthritis. Hence, you might consider opting for a hip arthritis treatment should you have one.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of hip pain:
- Pain in the groin area
- Warmness in the surrounding hip joint
- Swelling of the affected hip joint
- Tenderness
- Limping
How Do I Know When To See A Doctor?
Perhaps, some may still bear and endure hip pain, but others cannot. Hip pain is a symptom that you should not ignore without professional treatment. While it may not mean the urgency to look for a total hip arthroplasty in Singapore or a hip surgery, seeking professional medical attention ensures that you receive proper care and treatment.
Hip pain can indicate an underlying problem that requires attention, or some are minor. If you are experiencing the following symptoms along with hip pain:
- Intense pain
- Sudden swelling
- Deformed-looking joint
- Fever and chills
- Inability to move your hip or leg
- Inability to bear the affected leg
Consider seeing urgent care from professional physicians or an orthopedic doctor for proper treatment. The doctor will likely ask a series of questions to identify the condition related to your hip pain. It is advisable to bring medications you are taking in a regular routine should you visit a specialist. It will help them inform and ensure that they will not prescribe anything that will have an adverse effect on the current medications you are undertaking.
The orthopedic doctor will likely administer the most suitable medications or physiotherapy to treat hip pain. However, surgery is the most likeable form of treatment should the condition be severe or ‘serious’.
Hip Pain Self-Treatment At Home
As we have implied earlier, the symptoms and severity of hip pain vary from person to person. Some are likely to experience that hip pain might be a minor problem that one can treat at home.
While you may not need to see an orthopedic doctor or a trip to a clinic, it is essential that you monitor your condition. However, if your pain is minor, here are a few tips you can do at home to treat the problem:
Rest
Rest is crucial when it comes to recovery. During this period, our body repairs itself, including muscles and tissues. Therefore, regular rest is a must. When resting, consider avoiding sleeping on the affected side. Also, avoid any activities that will cause or trigger pain.
Apply ice
Almost every orthopedic doctor can attest to the effectiveness of applying ice to reduce inflammation. You can use an ice bag or wrapped towel to treat your pain injury at least three or five times a day, between 10 or 15 minutes.
Warm bath
Warm baths are also an excellent method you can perform to treat your hip pain since it helps reduce pain and relaxes your muscles. Consider using warm baths before performing stretching exercises.
Elevation
You can elevate a painful ankle or your leg to reduce swelling. Elevation also promotes better blood flow and helps manage pain symptoms. You can use recliners with your feet as well.
Exercise
Exercise isn’t for surgery patients or those in need of total hip arthroplasty. While rest is essential, treatment can be less effective without proper physical activity. There are a number of exercise activities you can do to strengthen the muscles in the hip and relieve hip pain. The exercises include:
- Walking on treadmill
- Yoga
- Riding a bike
However, there are also a few exercises that you cannot perform as well. It is best to visit a clinic for recommendations on what you should do and what to avoid for a better physiology treatment.
Hip Pain & Hip Arthritis
There are many conditions that can lead to hip pain, and hip arthritis is among the common causes. Hip arthritis can cause mobility problems in general. It happens where the cartilage around the joints has worn down/damaged or when the immune system attacks the cartilage. An orthopedic doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis of the probable cause of hip arthritis.
When you have hip arthritis, the symptom often includes stiffness and pain in the groin area. In some cases, buttock pains are among the symptoms you might experience.
The orthopedic doctor can provide X-rays and a series of tests (including hip and blood tests), and most treatments can range from replacement surgery to activity or lifestyle modifications.
The risk factors for hip arthritis are:
- Injury
- Overuse or repetitive stress in the hip
- Overweight or excess weight
- Severe injury
- Age
Conclusion
There are a number of possible causes of hip pain. But one can manage and relieve their hip pain problem with proper treatment and the help of professional specialists.
If you are looking for surgery for a labral tear or treatment service for hip arthritis, you can visit Advanced Orthopaedic & Sports Centre for more info.