Hip pain is a common problem that usually occurs to older women. The treatment for hip pain varies depending on the cause of the pain and the severity of the condition. Hip pain in women could be due to several causes. It could be arthritis which is prevalent in women over 50, hip bursitis caused by an inflamed bursa, tendinitis due to an overuse of tendons in the surrounding part of the hip joint, injury to the hip caused by fall or accident, polymyalgia rheumatica inflamed blood vessels causing hip pain when walking, and hernia, a kind of hip pain caused by femoral and inguinal hernia.
Women who are experiencing pain on the hip can put an end to their ordeal by making use of the following hip treatment options:
REST, ICE, COMPRESSION, ELEVATION (RICE)
Rest can relax your strained muscles and surrounding tissues. It can reduce the swelling and irritation of the muscles. Rest according to Amy Humphrey, DPT, a physical therapist at Body Dynamics, Inc. in Arlington, Va., means avoiding activities that cause the pain. It also means staying away from activities that could aggravate the pain.
Ice can reduce the swelling and alleviate the pain when you apply it on the affected area. Cooling treatments such as sponge bath or ice pack can provide short-term relief because cold has the tendency to reduce the constriction of the blood vessels. A pack of ice applied on the hip area as often as 4 to 5 times a day for 15 to 20 minutes can make your hips feel better.
Compression which may be done by surrounding the hip area with bandage can reduce swelling and help ease the pain.
Elevation works to minimize the swelling and relieve the pain. Elevation can be done by putting the feet up in a reclining position thereby elevating the hips. Putting a pillow or cushion under the hips can also elevate the hips thereby alleviating pain.
LOW-IMPACT EXERCISES
Exercise promotes elasticity and flexibility of the hip muscles. It increases the mobility of your hip joints and strengthens the muscles of your hip. However, if you are experiencing hip pain, you must choose light exercises that are not so stressful for your hips. Walking, stretching and light yoga are good examples of hip exercises that can help you ease hip pain. Aquatic workout like walking in a shallow pool is also good because water relieves the pressure on your hips.
MEDICATION
There are a variety of over the counter pain killers and anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen. These medicines work to block the pain and provide instant pain relief.
HEAT
Hot bath provides instant pain relief. It relaxes your strained bones and muscles. It also promotes normal blood circulation. Heat packs or heating pads may also be applied on the hip area. It functions to give heat signals to the brain thereby blocking pain signals.
MASSAGE
A relaxing massage in the hip area done by experts can soothe stressed muscles and surrounding tissues in the hip area. It relaxes the bones and muscles while increasing blood circulation.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical therapy is one of the most important aspects in treating orthopedic conditions. Physical therapists are trained to help you restore your pre-injury state by helping you increase mobility and regain strength. They use modalities that can stimulate the muscles and strengthen the bones.
HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY
This type of treatment is considered as the last option for women who have hip pain. This treatment requires a sure diagnosis by a physician. Hip replacement surgery is a treatment of last resort. It can only be had when all else fails.
Edith Gordon is a freelance writer and a health blogger. She’s currently doing some online research about hip replacement recall and related topics. She can be reached through twitter@edithgordon.
References:
http://www.completebackpainrelief.com/general-back-health/hipain-relief-and-treatment.htm
http://www.everydayhealth.com/PublicSite/index.aspx?puid=ff6b272a-985c-4c5e-a7db-eead217d53c6&p=4
http://www.everydayhealth.com/hip-pain/five-common-causes-of-hip-pain-in-women.aspx
http://www.livestrong.com/hip-pain/
http://www.everydayhealth.com/hip-pain/hip-pain-home-remedies.aspx
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/hip_pain/article_em.htm
Rachunkowe Warszawa says
A very interesting article . I am glad that I found this one . This issue affects my husband and struggling with hip pain .
BlissPlan says
We’re so glad that this article is useful for hip pain. It’s terrible and really wears you down. Best of luck with getting some relief.
Andy says
Thanks