Hip Specialists of CT

How Do I Know if my Hip Pain is Serious?

Hip pain is very common, making it hard to know when it’s serious enough to seek medical help for it. If your hip pain does not go away within one week of at-home treatment, you should see a doctor at OrthoConnecticut immediately. At-home treatment may include rest, ice packs, elevation, compression, and taking over-the-counter pain medication. 

What Are the First Signs of Hip Problems?

Hip problems don’t always come on suddenly and strongly. Sometimes, it’s a slow process. The first sign of hip problems can include:

• Pain in the groin
• Pain in the hips 
• Hip stiffness
• Limping
• Swelling in the hips
• Tenderness in the hips 
• Pain after exercise 

If you are experiencing any of these problems, you should visit OrthoConnecticut to assess your hip pain and to be provided with possible treatments. 

What is the Fastest Way to Relieve Hip Pain?

You have a few options for quickly relieving hip pain. First, try icing the area for 15 minutes. A warm bath or hot shower may also alleviate your hip pain. It’s great to stretch your hips out after applying heat, too. 

Is Walking Good for Hip Pain?

Doing strenuous activities like running or jumping is not good for hip pain. Gentle walks are a great way to stay active without making your hip pain worse. Just make sure to stay on even, flat ground, wear comfortable shoes, and move at a gentle pace. 

Can Hip Pain be Cured Without Surgery?

You can effectively treat hip pain without surgery. Non-surgical options include stretching exercises, physical therapy, injections, infusions, lifestyle changes, and pain medication. Depending on the source of your hip pain, you should be able to live a relatively pain-free life without having to undergo surgery. 

How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Hip Replacement?

The length of your hip replacement recovery depends on things such as your activity level, age, nutrition habits, pre existing conditions, weight, and other factors. The average time to recover from a hip replacement is between two and four weeks. However, every person is different, and recovery times can vary. 

What are the Signs of Needing a Hip Replacement?

If you’re experiencing hip pain, any of these symptoms could be a sign of needing a hip replacement: 

• Damaged hip joints
• Arthritis in the hip
• Severe hip pain that won’t go away
• Intense swelling or inflammation
• Chronic stiffness
• Persistent groin pain 
• Not responding to other methods of treatment

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Ultimately, they should have the last word on whether you need a hip replacement. 

Is a Hip Replacement a Major Operation?

Hip replacement is major surgery, as it is invasive and requires more extensive work. It is typically done with general or spinal anesthesia. Because it is a major operation, doctors will attempt to treat hip pain with non-surgical methods before a hip replacement. These alternative treatments may include steroid injections, pain medication, and physical therapy.