How to Deal With Hip Pain
Hip pain felt on the inside of your hip or in your groin is generally caused by problems with your hip joint, according to the Mayo Clinic. Whereas pain felt on the outside of the hip or the upper thigh tends to be caused by problems with the muscles, ligaments or tendons that surround the hip joint. Hip pain is generally not serious and can often be treated with self-care.
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Instructions
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Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. According to the Mayo Clinic, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen) will help to relieve the pain and swelling associated with hip pain. Note that over-the-counter pain relievers can be dangerous if misused. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, overdosing or using an over-the-counter acetaminophen pain reliever for more days than recommended can lead to serious liver problems.
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Ice your hip. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should ice your hip for 15 to 20 minutes throughout the day. This can be done using frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel or by applying cold treatments to your hip.
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Rest your hip. One way to rest your hip is to stay off of it. You can also use the aid of a cane or walker. According to Pattianne Ruppel, a physical therapist at St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson, N.Y., a cane or walker is especially important if your hip pain is causing you to lose balance. Another support tool is a long shoehorn, which can help you avoid bending over to reach things.
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Start a physical therapy program. Physical therapy can increase the strength and range of motion in the hip and surrounding muscles. This, according to Ruppel, will minimize the hip pain. Generally, someone experiencing hip pain will undergo therapy for six to 10 weeks, two to three times per week. Additionally, be sure to follow any home exercise program designed by the physical therapist. Note that people experiencing hip pain should not undertake an exercise program without first consulting a doctor.
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See a doctor. While some self-care solutions exist, the Mayo Clinic suggests that you see a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: a deformed joint, a popping noise at the time your hip was injured, inability to bear any weight on the affected leg, intense pain or sudden swelling.
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