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Hip problems can affect people of any age and can be caused by injury, overuse, or conditions such as arthritis. Minor issues can be treated at home, but severe symptoms require medical attention. Treatment may include rest, ice, medication, and physical therapy. Osteoarthritis is a common cause of hip symptoms in older people and may require surgery.
Hip problems are often associated with older people and those with weak bones, although people of any age can suffer from pain and other uncomfortable hip symptoms. An injury from an awkward fall or twist can result in a variety of symptoms, including swelling, redness, bruising, and local pain. Overuse or overexertion can lead to irritation and pain in the tendons, ligaments, and muscles near the hip joint. Other conditions, such as arthritis, can cause significant joint pain and potentially lead to fractures. Most minor hip problems can be treated at home with sufficient rest, ice, and over-the-counter medications, although an individual with severe or long-lasting hip symptoms should see a doctor.
Some hip symptoms are the result of a direct side impact or a bad fall. Athletes who play contact sports are particularly vulnerable to hip injuries, as are older people and those who have difficulty walking. After an injury, the hip socket can be tender to the touch and painful when trying to bend or walk. Minor injuries can cause swelling, redness and possibly bruising and usually start to feel better in less than a week with simple home treatments. Hip pain can usually be relieved by applying ice to the hip joint, resting your legs as much as possible, and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications.
More serious hip injuries can result from severe falls, awkward bending or twisting, or overuse of the joint. If tendons, joint tissue, or bones can become damaged, a visit to the doctor’s office or emergency room is usually necessary. Strained or torn tendons can become inflamed, often causing chronic pain and difficulty walking. A broken hip bone usually causes severe, debilitating pain and immediately swells, making it impossible to put weight on the leg. A tear in the tissue of the hip joint, known as a labrum tear, can cause the joint to snap, stiffen, and limit flexibility.
Doctors generally suggest periods of rest and ice along with prescribed pain relievers to relieve fractures, lacerations and tendonitis. You may need surgery to repair a damaged tendon or replace part of your hip or thighbone. Toward the end of recovery, which can take several months, patients generally engage in stretching exercises and physical therapy to regain strength.
Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of hip symptoms in older people. As joint tissue and cartilage wear down over time, the hip can feel stiff, tender to the touch, and often swollen. Hip symptoms tend to get worse after a long period of activity and often result in significant pain. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, although symptoms can usually be relieved by getting frequent rest, taking prescription or low-strength pain relievers, and joining physical therapy groups. Surgery may be needed if the hip becomes badly damaged or broken due to arthritis.
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