Is hip pain always related to a broken hip?

Many people believe that the primary source of hip pain is a broken hip. Although a broken hip can certainly cause intense discomfort, there are other potential explanations for hip pain. 

Arthritis is a degenerative condition that damages the components of affected joints. Arthritis can develop at any age, including childhood. Rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis, osteoarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis can all lead to hip pain. 

Additional causes of hip pain include:

• Dislocation
• Bursitis
• Tendinitis
• Sprains
• Hip labral tear
• Inguinal hernia
• Sciatica
• Osteoporosis
• Bone and other cancers

Determining the source of your hip pain is the first step in crafting an effective treatment plan. 

When should I seek medical help for hip pain?

Your hip joints play an essential role in all of your daily activities, and occasional hip pain is usually nothing to worry about. If your pain lingers for more than a couple of days or is so severe it interferes with your normal routine, the best course of action is to book a diagnostic exam. 

You should also come in for a visit if you experience the following:

• Inability to bear weight on the leg or hip
• Sudden swelling
• Inability to move your hip or leg
• Obvious joint deformity
• Signs of infection, including chills, fever, or reddened skin

When you arrive for your visit at Tazewell Orthopaedic & Arthritis Clinic, be prepared to share information on when your pain began and any other changes in your hip function. 

What are some treatment options for hip pain?

Your customized treatment plan depends on the nature of your hip pain as well as your overall health. In some cases, a course of physical therapy can help strengthen the hip joints and relieve pain. Medications can help by reducing pain, changing your body’s immune response, reducing inflammation, or shore up your bone health. 

Surgery is the best choice in some cases. Some procedures work to remove loose bodies in the hip joint or repair damaged connective tissues. Others focus on enhancing structural support using metal plates and screws. Full and partial hip replacement procedures are also available and are an area of expertise at Tazewell Orthopaedic & Arthritis Clinic. 

Don’t let hip pain become the central focus of every day. Call Sadril Mohammad, PA-C, of Tazewell Orthopaedic & Arthritis Clinic in Tazewell, Tennessee, to set up a diagnostic appointment. Online scheduling is also available, and it’s fast and easy.