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Hip pain is generally not a serious symptom and, in most cases, can be treated at home by applying heat to the area and resting, in addition to avoiding impact exercises such as running or climbing stairs, for example.
Here's how to apply heat to relieve pain.
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, such as arthritis, osteoarthritis or bursitis, which may need more specific treatment.
The main causes of hip pain include:
1. Tendonitis
Tendonitis usually causes pain in the hip joint that worsens when exercising, such as walking or running, and which can radiate to the leg. This type of pain is more common in athletes who use the tendons around the hip a lot and, therefore, it is common for it to appear after a session of physical exercise, 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 in a row and apply an anti-inflammatory ointment, such as Cataflam or Traumeel, for example. Check out other tips for relieving hip tendonitis pain.
2. Bursitis
In the case of hip bursitis, the pain is more profound, affecting the middle of the joint and may radiate from the side of the thigh. In some cases, bursitis can cause a slight swelling in the side of the thigh and even become painful to the touch.
What to do: Applying hot compresses to the side of the hip and doing stretching exercises such as lying on the floor and raising the hips can help relieve the pain. However, it is also advisable to consult an orthopedist, as it may be indicated to take anti-inflammatory drugs and do physiotherapy sessions. Check out some exercises for hip bursitis and other treatment options.
3. Inflammation of the sciatic nerve
Nerve inflammation usually arises in people who do impact exercises or who regularly do glute training, for example. In addition, this type of pain is also common in the elderly, due to compression of the nerve by the vertebrae of the spine.
The pain caused by inflammation of the sciatic nerve tends to be more intense in the back of the hip, in the gluteal region, and radiates to the leg, which can cause a burning sensation or difficulty in moving.
What to do: In some cases, sciatic nerve pain can be relieved by massaging the buttocks and lower back, as well as stretching and strengthening exercises. However, when the pain does not improve, it is advisable to go to the doctor, as it may be necessary to take anti-inflammatory drugs or even do physical therapy sessions to help decrease nerve inflammation. See some examples of exercises and other options to treat sciatic nerve pain.
Here are some tips to relieve sciatica:
4. 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 inflammation of the joint. See more about treatment for hip arthrosis.
5. Hip dislocation or fracture
When the pain is very intense and uncomfortable to walk and it is difficult for the person to sit or stand, there may be suspicion of dislocation, which is when the joint moves out of place, but it can also be a sign of fracture, especially when it is a fall in the elderly, or when the pain arises after an accident involving a car or motorcycle.
What to do: in case of an accident, SAMU should be called immediately, calling 192, because the treatment is done with surgery. In any other case, it is also advisable to go to the hospital or consult an orthopedist as soon as possible, to initiate the appropriate treatment and relieve the pain. Learn how to identify a hip dislocation and what treatments can be done.
When the pain in the hip is slow to pass, or is very severe, 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.
6. 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 in pregnancy, a woman can use a hip brace that helps to stabilize the joint and improve well-being.
When to go to the doctor
It is advisable to go to the doctor or see 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.