How Do I Know If My Hip Pain Is Serious?

The hip is the biggest joint in our body, and it can withstand a significant amount of wear and tear. The hip joint is pretty durable because of the unique anatomy that allows fluid movement and a thick cartilage cushion.

However, damages and injuries can still happen. Especially with older age, as the cartilage wears down a bit, and muscles and tendons suffer after their fair share of work. As a result, you may feel hip pain.

So, what causes hip pain, and how do you know it’s time to see your doctor about it?

The Most Common Causes of Hip Pain

A variety of different conditions can cause hip pain. The severity of discomfort and other symptoms usually worsen with activity or during specific movements such as standing up or sitting down.

The most common conditions causing hip pain include:

• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Tendinitis
• Strains
• Fractures

Osteoarthritis refers to typical wear and tear, and it is most common in older adults. It is caused by the inflammation of the joint that damages the cartilage, which results in bones rubbing together. That leads to pain, and it usually gets worse over time. 

Bursitis is a condition where unique sacs of liquids called bursae become inflamed, causing pain. Bursae are typically located between bones, muscles, and tendons, and their job is to reduce friction between these tissues. The most common causes of bursitis are repetitive activities that affect the hip.

Tendonitis occurs when tendons become inflamed, usually from overuse or repetitive stress. These thick bands of tissue connect muscles with bones and are vital for our agility. In addition, repeated activities could also cause strains, injuring muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support your hips. These injuries often need a professional recovery plan to manage the pain and ensure the full range of motion.

Hip fractures are more frequent with old age, as bones lose some of their density and become weaker. As a result, falls are more dangerous, so older people need to be extra careful.

When to See a Doctor About Hip Pain

Whether a hip pain is located on the outside or the inside, a medical professional can establish whether it’s caused by a problem with muscles, ligaments, tendons, or the joint itself. The symptoms usually include:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased range of motion
• Limping
• Swelling

Most hip pain cases can be handled at home, as they are mild and temporary. People treat them with heat or ice therapy, rest, and painkillers.

However, if your pain persists for longer than a week, you should visit a professional. You should do the same if your pain is severe, you experience unusual swelling, your hip looks deformed, or you can’t bear any weight on your hip. Remember, pain is not a normal condition, and if it’s preventing you from your daily activities, you should see a doctor.

Get the best treatment from a hip pain doctor in the Woodlands, Texas, at 3R Regenerative Medicine Center.

Visiting a Specialist for Hip Pain

3R is a regenerative medicine center where experts like Dr. Jeffrey Pruski and Dr. Edward Nash help people overcome their problems using regenerative medicine. Our team is experienced in dealing with hip pain and can help even with the most persistent cases. So, feel free to contact us and schedule your appointment.