Chronic Hip Pain

A variety of problems can cause hip pain.

If you experience chronic hip pain on the outside of your hip, upper thigh or outer buttock, it is usually caused by problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons and other soft tissues that surround your hip joint. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are some of the most common causes of hip pain in older adults. Joint damage, or tendinitis, can also cause hip pain which can become chronic. Experts say Hip pain in adults and teenagers may also be related to what’s called femoroacetabular impingement. This condition leads to excessive friction between the bony surfaces of the joint, resulting in pain.

Prevention Is The Best Medicine

Hip damage stemming from cartilage, ligament, or muscle strain or tearing can be avoided through warming-up, stretches, and cooling-down while exercising. Exercising the muscles around your hip can also promote the stability of the joint and reduce the risk of pain. Usually, the pain can be relieved with an over-the-counter pain medication.

If you have arthritis, most treatments include a prescription anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate and sulfasalazine, and biologics, which target the immune system.

There are many treatment options available to help management hip pain. However, if the hip pain is unbearable, then a total hip replacement may be the best solution.

What To Do Before Surgery

Hip replacement is an option, if you are suffering from chronic hip pain. Before the surgery you should prepare yourself for the procedure. Learn as much as you can about your surgery and if you have questions write them down so you and your doctor can have a discussion. Also, consider that the possible downtime after the surgery could impact your work schedule. Make sure to get in shape before the surgery and meet with a physical therapist. You’ll probably need crutches and a walker for a while so get those and practice using them ahead of time. Tell your friends and family about your procedure and let them help you.

Louisiana Pain Specialists

At Louisiana Pain Specialists, our focus is on improving the quality of life of our patients.

We have helped thousands of our patients get back to doing what is important to them: working, having restful sleep, spending quality time with friends and family, and participating in their normal daily life. We have been successful in caring for patients with challenging conditions, for whom other treatment plans have failed. With five locations in the New Orleans area, we provide quick access to accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment for those who suffer from chronic and acute pain.