- Main causes of hip pain
- 1. Compression of the sciatic nerve
- 2. Hip bursitis
- 3. Arthritis or osteoarthritis
- 4. Rheumatism
- 5. Tendonitis
- 6. Hip fracture
- 7. Hip pain in pregnancy
- Warning signs to go to the doctor
Generally, hip pain is not a serious symptom and can be treated at home with the application of hot water bags in the hip area and rest, avoiding impact exercises such as running or climbing stairs, for example. See how the application of heat should be in: When using hot or cold compress.
However, when the hip pain is severe, insistent, lasts more than 15 days, and does not improve with rest and with pain relievers, such as Dipirona, or it seems to get worse, it is recommended to consult an orthopedist, as it may be a sign of a problem more severe, like arthritis, osteoarthritis or bursitis, for example.
Main causes of hip pain
Hip pain can be caused by:
1. Compression of the sciatic nerve
In this case, the pain is in the hip, especially in the back, of the butt, and radiates to the leg and may have a burning sensation or difficulty in moving.
What to do: In case of suspicion, you should go to the doctor to do tests that prove that there is some nerve involvement, take analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, depending on the severity of the pain, and start physiotherapy. You should also rest and avoid doing impact activities like running, tennis or football, for example. Learn more about treating sciatica.
2. Hip bursitis
In the case of hip bursitis, the pain is profound, affects the middle of the joint and radiates from the side of the thigh, the most suitable exam is MRI
What to do: go to the doctor to perform tests that can show the condition and start the treatment that can be done with hot compresses, take dipyrone and other anti-inflammatory drugs, stretch the tensor fascia lata muscle, located on the side of the thigh, close to the knee and losing weight is also important.
3. Arthritis or osteoarthritis
In people over 60, hip pain is usually a sign of arthritis, osteoarthritis or even osteoporosis, causing increased pain when walking, sitting or doing other activities that mobilize the hip joint.
What to do: you should consult an orthopedist to start treatment with anti-inflammatories, such as Diclofenac or Ibuprofen, and to do physical therapy sessions to reduce joint inflammation. Here's how to treat hip arthrosis.
4. Rheumatism
When the person is over 50, this pain may be caused by arthritis, rheumatism or osteoarthritis due to inflammation and progressive wear and tear on the hip joint.
What to do: you should consult an orthopedist to start treatment with anti-inflammatories, such as Diclofenac or Ibuprofen. While waiting for the appointment, you can apply warm compresses on your hips for 15 minutes and apply an anti-inflammatory ointment.
5. Tendonitis
Tendonitis usually causes pain in the hip joint that worsens when exercising, walking or running, the pain may be in the form of weight that indicates the presence of a muscle injury or tendonitis, especially after the gym, for example.
What to do: place a warm compress on your hip for 15 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day for at least 3 days and apply an anti-inflammatory ointment, such as Cataflam or Traumeel, for example. Check out other tips at: Tendonitis in the hip.
6. Hip fracture
When the pain is very intense and uncomfortable to walk and it is difficult for the person to sit or stand up, a fracture may be suspected, especially when it comes to the elderly, or when the pain arises after an accident involving a car or motorcycle.
What to do: In the event of an accident, SAMU should be called immediately by calling 192 because the treatment is done with surgery. In the case of the elderly it is also advisable to seek medical help as soon as possible. Learn more about how to identify and what treatments can be done here.
When the pain in the hip is slow to pass, or is very intense, the individual should consult an orthopedist to diagnose the cause and start the appropriate treatment, which may include medication, changes in diet or even surgery. Find out more about the surgery at: Hip Arthroplasty.
7. Hip pain in pregnancy
Hip pain in pregnancy affects about half of pregnant women and is due to the effect of relaxin on bones and joints. Thus, the hip joint becomes looser and generates greater discomfort, especially if the pregnant woman adopts poor posture during the day.
What to do: To reduce hip pain during pregnancy, a woman can use a hip brace that helps to reduce joint mobility and improve well-being.
See also, in the following video, how to relieve pain with natural analgesics:
Warning signs to go to the doctor
It is advisable to go to the doctor or seek an orthopedist when the pain in the hip is very severe, appears suddenly, makes movements such as walking and sitting impossible or takes more than 1 month to disappear.
