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How Do I Treat Hip Pain?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

There are many different types of hip pain. Some issues are related to recent injuries, while others have to do with an ongoing medical condition, such as bursitis. Depending on the specific reason for your pain, your doctor can recommend specific types of medication or exercises that will help ease your discomfort. In addition, there are several other strategies you can use at home that will work with just about any type of hip pain.

One of the basics of dealing with hip pain is to simply rest. Whether the pain comes from osteoporosis, some type of hip inflammation, or the fact that you have a broken hip, taking time to rest will minimize pressure on the joint and allow the pain to at least partially subside. Find a position that seems to provide the most relief and allow yourself to rest several times throughout the day.

Severe hip pain might require a hip replacement for relief.
Severe hip pain might require a hip replacement for relief.

Heat is another great home remedy for different types of hip pain. A heating pad can be especially helpful with stiffness during the healing process after a break. It can also help to ease some of the soreness that often accompanies efforts made during hip rehabilitation therapy. Setting the heating pad at a comfortable temperature and applying it to the hip several times a day will help bring about a noticeable amount of relief.

Seniors who have suffered hip injuries should get regular exercise to rebuild strength.
Seniors who have suffered hip injuries should get regular exercise to rebuild strength.

Along with a heating pad, you can also try a nice warm soak in a tub or Jacuzzi to minimize your hip pain. Many people find this to be an ideal way to relax after physical therapy, as it can help calm inflammation in the joint that may flare up as you attempt to regain full use of your hip. Your physical therapist can advise you how long you can remain in the warm water safely, as well as provide you with tips on how to get in and out of the water without risking damage to your hip. This advice is essential if you have recently undergone hip replacement surgery or are recovering from a broken hip.

A heating pad can help relieve the stiffness associated with hip pain.
A heating pad can help relieve the stiffness associated with hip pain.

Exercise can also be helpful in alleviating hip pain as well as in allowing you to gradually achieve a greater range of motion. However, not just any type of exercise will do. Therapists often recommend carefully designed stretching exercises that will help you achieve both goals without causing additional damage to your hip. Make sure to ask your therapist about forms of exercise that you should avoid, based on the origin of your hip pain.

Physical therapy is often used to decrease the occurrence of hip inflammation.
Physical therapy is often used to decrease the occurrence of hip inflammation.

Massage can also be a wonderful way to minimize pain in the hips. This is especially true when bursitis or some form of arthritis is affecting the mobility of your hip joint. A professional massage therapist will know exactly how to address the issue and apply the right amount of pressure to bring about relief.

Managing discomfort that is due to an ongoing health issue or a recent accident can make it much easier to stick with your therapy and eventually recover a greater range of mobility. Talk with your doctor about various strategies that will help you ease the pain in your hip and allow you to get back to the business of living.

If you’re pregnant, one possible reason for your hip pain is a lack of adequate sleep. These pregnancy pillows for hip pain are designed to keep your spine and hips in alignment and relieve pressure on your pelvis by keeping your legs parallel. Having the correct posture while you sleep reduces hip pain. It improves your blood circulation, preventing numbness and cramps in your legs. If you’re not used to sleeping on your side, these pillows can make you comfortable with a new position.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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    • Severe hip pain might require a hip replacement for relief.
      By: NICOLAS LARENTO
      Severe hip pain might require a hip replacement for relief.
    • Seniors who have suffered hip injuries should get regular exercise to rebuild strength.
      By: michaeljung
      Seniors who have suffered hip injuries should get regular exercise to rebuild strength.
    • A heating pad can help relieve the stiffness associated with hip pain.
      By: nito
      A heating pad can help relieve the stiffness associated with hip pain.
    • Physical therapy is often used to decrease the occurrence of hip inflammation.
      By: jedi-master
      Physical therapy is often used to decrease the occurrence of hip inflammation.