The hip is a joint that connects the leg to the middle of the body. While the roots of hip pain may emerge from the joint itself, there are various structures encompassing the hip that can likewise be the source of pain.

The hip joint is designed in a way so that it can withstand a fair amount of wear and tear and repeated motion. This ball and socket joint is the body’s largest joint and fits together to allow the free flow of fluids. Although hip pain is felt around the hips, it may not always be the case as it can occasionally be felt in the groin and the thigh as well.

When to consult a doctor?

You must consult a physician under the following circumstances:

If your hip pain last more than a couple of days – Your physician would be better able to guide you in this scenario and suggest you necessary treatments for hip pain.
In case your hip is bleeding or making a popping noise -Your doctor will immediately check the source of bleeding or the exposed bone muscle.

• Swelling
• Soreness
• Redness
• Tenderness
• Warmth

For hip pains that can relate to conditions like arthritis, your doctor may ask you a range of questions before starting your treatments for hip ain. These questions may include:

Does the pain get worse at any particular time of the day?
Does the pain affect your ability to work?
Do you feel any abnormality while you to walk around?
Based on your response, the doctor will ask you to undergo certain tests.

Treatment options for hip pain

Treatments for hip pain depend on the severity of the problem. The treatments extend from moderate to intrusive. Conservative treatments include exercising and stretching, whereas invasive treatment may include surgeries. Here is a list of treatments for hip pain designed to ease pain and improve mobility:

Exercises to relieve pain and strengthen hip –

Exercise is one of the best ways to strengthen your hips.Regular exercise builds muscles around the hips and supports the movement. Stretching the muscles and tendons surrounding your joint can also help ease pain from some of the hip problems and reduce the risk of some injuries.

Medications for hip pain –
A wide range of medicines used in the treatments for hip pain. These medications are an important part of the treatments they ease the pain, relieve inflammation, prevent joint damage and slower bone loss. Types of medication commonly used in treatments for hip pain are –

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroids
• Analgesics
• Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs
• Gout medications
• Biologic response modifiers
• Osteoporosis medications

Hip surgery
Hip surgery is one of the best treatments for hip ain. Surgeries are performed when natural treatments and medications don’t work. There are several types of surgeries, ranging from total replacement surgeries to hip resurfacing. Some of the prominent surgeries are –

Total joint replacement
It is the most common hip surgery. The procedure involves removal of the damaged and it is replaced with prostheses of metal and ceramic or plastic components. Hip replacement is the option when irreparable joint damages interfere and cause constant pain, which can’t be treated by any conservative therapy.

Hip resurfacing
This surgery is recommended for people who are young and yet to explore the most of life. Unlike total hip replacement, this process doesn’t involve the complete removal of the damaged. Instead, the damaged femoral head is reshaped and fixed with a metal cover that fits into the socket.

Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is an invasive surgery that involves the insertion of a lighted scope and narrow instruments through little cuts in the skin over the joint. This surgery has been widely used for decades to amend knee problems.

Osteotomy
In an osteotomy, the damaged portions of the hip are removed, and the joint is reshaped to improve functionality. This may be an ideal surgery for a person with arthritis. However, it may not be appropriate for hip replacement surgery.

Osteoarthritis has no cure. However, there are a lot of effective treatments to enable you to deal with your chronic condition. Many individuals discover help with medicine, exercise, and supplements. It’s essential to discover approaches to keep weight off your hip to reduce pain. Consult your physician at an early stage so that you can set up a treatment plan. The earlier you start your treatment, the better your result will be.