Hip pain can often be one of the more difficult types of pain to manage. The cause of hip pain might stem from arthritis, injury or recent surgery. Other causes could be Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, sciatica or other health issues. There are many ways to treat the pain you are feeling in your hip, and by taking measures at home and working with your doctor, you can ease the hip pain that has been plaguing you.
Instructions
1. Visit your doctor. Hip pain can have dozens of causes, and knowing exactly what has caused the pain can help you effectively manage it. It is important to rule out the most serious of health conditions like Lyme disease or fibromyalgia.
2. Apply heat to the affected area, which helps to relax the muscles. You can soak in a hot bath, place a hot damp towel on your hip, or use a heating pad.
3. Take over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or aspirin. If you still can't find relief, talk to your doctor about getting stronger pain medication or cortisone injections that can help minimize inflammation.
4. Get a massage. Maximize the results of the massage by having the masseuse use a pain-relieving cream like Bengay or arnica gel.
5. Rest whenever possible. Minimize exertion and add a foam mattress topper to your bed.
6. Build a good foundation from the ground up. Consult with a physician about ordering good footwear that can give you all the support you need. A shoe with arch support and a heel cup can help some people who experience hip pain. As you age, a cane may also help you cope with hip pain.
7. Hit the gym. Moderate exercise will help you in two ways. By reducing your weight, you can reduce the strain on your hip. Arthritis patients, in particular, will benefit from shedding excess weight. In addition, exercise keeps the joints from getting stiff.
Tags: your doctor, disease fibromyalgia, Lyme disease,