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How do I Treat a Sore Hip?

By Harriette Halepis
Updated Feb 06, 2024
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To treat a sore hip, the underlying cause of hip pain must first be discovered. There are many different reasons why a hip may become sore including arthritis, tendinitis, trochanteric bursitis, osteonecrosis, lumbar pain, hip fracture, muscular strain, snapping hip syndrome, and stress fracture. By identifying the symptoms associated with each of these conditions, a person may be able to accurately treat hip soreness.

Hip arthritis is the number one cause of hip pain. This type of arthritis tends to affect people who are over the age of 50, though it can also affect people who are extremely overweight or have a genetic predisposition to arthritis. Various treatments exist in order to cure hip arthritis including weight loss, physical therapy, and hip surgery. Symptoms associated with hip arthritis include stiffness, activity difficulty, and limping.

Trochanteria bursitis occurs when the bursal sac inside of the hip becomes inflamed. When this happens, every hip movement becomes extremely painful. This type of bursitis is extremely common amongst athletes who participate in running-type sports. An x-ray is necessary in order to diagnose a person with hip bursitis. Once this condition has been affirmed, there are a couple of treatments available including rest, anti-inflammatory medications, ice, and physical therapy. In some cases, the bursa sac may need to be drained, and cortisone injections may also be administered.

When the tendons inside of the hip become enlarged, tendinitis occurs. Tendinitis is quite common and extremely painful. In most cases, an x-ray is required in order to diagnose tendinitis. Treatment of tendinitis largely depends upon the precise type of tendinitis that is discovered, though most patients will be required to participate in physical therapy sessions.

Osteonecrosis, lumbar pain, stress fractures, snapping hip syndrome, and hip fractures are all serious hip injuries. The only way to treat a sore hip caused by any of these injuries is to visit with a medical doctor right away. All of these injuries cause a large amount of pain that often prevents patients from walking. Anyone who is experiencing difficulty walking accompanied by immense pain should contact a medical professional. Muscle strains are quite common, and this type of injury can be treated with ice, stretching, and rest following a proper medical diagnosis.

The best possible way to treat a sore hip is to made a doctor's appointment. Since it is difficult to diagnose a particular hip problem without a professional medical opinion, generalized hip treatments may not solve a sore hip problem. Physical therapists and medical doctors will be able to provide patients with the best way to treat a sore hip.

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Discussion Comments

By hyrax53 — On Feb 23, 2011

In addition to physical therapy, some hip soreness causes can also be treated with things like yoga or chiropractic care. It depends on the source of the problem; certainly things like medication are not always the answer.

By Denha — On Feb 22, 2011

I have known way too many people who refused to go to the doctor for chronic soreness in their hips, back, or other parts of the body. If something like this continues for over a week, it is likely part of a more serious problem and needs treatment. While sometimes you can tough it out, and it's just something you slept on wrong or where you fell and got a bruise, it can also be any number of more serious issues.

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