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How can I tell if hip pain is serious?

The easiest way to tell if hip pain needs treatment is to determine its effect on your routine. Minor hip pain that occurs while running or exercising isn’t usually something to worry about. But hip pain that continues or gets worse even during rest usually indicates an underlying health problem, like arthritis.

If you regularly have hip pain that doesn’t improve with ice, rest, and other at-home remedies, make an appointment at Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics. Without treatment, hip pain often gets worse and requires more extensive care.

What are the symptoms of hip pain?

Hip pain symptoms include:

  • Inability to put weight on the affected hip
  • Popping or snapping sounds
  • Visible abnormalities, like swelling and bruising
  • Difficulty standing and walking
  • Stiffness
  • Needing to limp

Some people experience hip pain that comes and goes. For example, you might notice your hip pain is worse in the mornings but that it improves throughout the day.

What causes hip pain?

Hip pain occurs for various reasons, including:

  • Arthritis
  • Bursitis
  • Sports injuries
  • Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)
  • Hip labral tears
  • Muscle strains
  • Broken bones
  • Dislocated joints

Hip pain can also be caused by Iliotibial band syndrome, which occurs when a tendon, called the iliotibial band, becomes irritated or inflamed due to rubbing against your hip bone.

Sometimes, hip pain is caused by structural abnormalities. Among these abnormalities is developmental hip dysplasia, a birth defect affecting how your leg bone fits into your hip socket.

How does a sports medicine specialist diagnose hip pain?

Your Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your hip, checking for redness, bruising, and swelling. They gently press on your hip joint and the surrounding skin to identify sensitive areas and observe your gait (how you walk) and posture as you walk.

If your provider suspects an underlying problem, like a fracture, arthritis, or a dislocated joint, they order diagnostic imaging like X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to examine your bones, joints, and the surrounding soft tissues.

How does a sports medicine specialist treat hip pain?

Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics treats hip pain using a minimally invasive, nonsurgical approach. They could suggest:

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a mild prescription narcotic
  • Driving restrictions
  • Work Restrictions
  • Exercise restrictions
  • Crutches
  • Hip unloader brace
  • Sacroiliac joint belt
  • Physical therapy
  • Swimming
  • Walking
  • Cycling
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
  • Prolotherapy
  • Ultrasound-guided joint injections

It might take several weeks or months to achieve lasting pain relief, depending on how severe your injury and symptoms are.

Call Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics today to schedule a hip pain appointment, or book your visit online.