Anyone can develop hip pain, although it is more prevalent in older people and athletes. Your hip joint supports your upper weight, allowing you to perform daily tasks. Hip pain can limit mobility, lower quality of life, and suck the fun out of your favorite activities. Determining the underlying cause of your discomfort is the first step to recovery. The Orthopedic Associates team offers various hip Albany treatment options, including physical therapy to restore mobility and functionality in your joint.
Factors contributing to hip pain
Your hip pain can be due to osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that occurs due to the wear and tear of the tissue cushioning your hip joint. It can result in excruciating pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in your hip joint. Other factors contributing to hip pain include bursitis, tendonitis, and injuries like fractures, dislocations, or sprains. Medical disorders like sciatica, a condition that occurs due to the compression or irritation of your sciatic nerve. Lifestyle factors like physical inactivity and poor posture can also contribute to hip pain by straining your hip joint and surrounding muscles.
When to see your doctor
Hip pain can manifest as mild discomfort or severe pain that interferes with your ability to perform your daily activities. If you struggle with hip pain that persists for over a few days or does not respond to over-the-counter pain medications, inform your doctor. Signs indicating that you need prompt medical help include debilitating pain that deteriorates with physical activity, swelling, redness or tenderness around your hip, trouble moving your hip, bearing weight on the affected leg, and a grinding sensation. Also, if you experience fever, chills, and hip pain, inform your Orthopedic Associates provider. Hip pain may sometimes signify a severe underlying condition, such as a malignant tumor or a bone infection. It is crucial to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
How your doctor diagnoses hip pain
During your appointment at Orthopedic Associates, your provider will discuss your symptoms, review your medical history and perform a thorough physical exam. Your exam may include assessing your range of motion and manipulating your leg in different directions to identify the source of the pain. Your provider may also check your hip for swelling and tenderness to understand your problem better. If they suspect a severe medical condition, they may suggest additional diagnostic tests to help identify the triggers of your hip pain. The team may utilize X-rays to evaluate your hip joint and detect structural abnormalities such as fractures, dislocations, or signs of arthritis. If your doctor suspects soft tissue damage, they may suggest an MRI for a more detailed view of your joint and surrounding tissues. Blood tests may also be necessary to check for signs of infection or other underlying medical conditions causing hip pain. After the diagnosis, your physician will develop a personalized treatment plan. If the cause is mild, they may prescribe pain medications, but if the cause and effects are severe, your provider may recommend surgery.
For more information about the causes of hip pain, call the Orthopedic Associates office or book an appointment online.
