Hip pain limits your mobility and affects your daily life — that you already know. What you might not know is that you don't have to get surgery to find relief. You have options. There are several nonsurgical options to manage (or eliminate) your hip pain, but don't waste your time sifting through medical jargon. Instead, take your cues straight from the experts.
Our team of hip pain specialists at Somers Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine group is here to highlight our favorite nonsurgical approaches to dealing with your achy hip.
Hip pain can stem from a variety of factors, but the most common are injury, overuse, arthritis, or inflammation. Sometimes, the damage in your joint is so severe, we must resort to surgery to correct the underlying problem.
However, that isn’t the case for everyone. We know that surgery is a financial and time commitment and one that can take a toll on your overall health. So, we’re dedicated to helping our patients find the least invasive path forward with nonsurgical options like the following:
Physical therapy is an effective way to manage hip pain without surgery. During your session, your physical therapist designs a personalized exercise program to target the specific muscles and joints causing your pain. They can also advise you on ways to modify your activities to reduce pain and prevent further injury.
Another nonsurgical option for hip pain is injections. We offer several types of injections that can alleviate pain by encouraging healing in your damaged joint. Our two most effective and popular injections include hyaluronic acid injections and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. We work closely with you to determine the type of injection most appropriate for your unique situation.
Carrying excess weight can strain your hips and exacerbate hip pain, so losing weight can reduce the load on your joints and alleviate pain.
But you don't have to lose that much weight to reap the benefits. Losing just a few pounds can make quite a difference. And it doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul of your life, either. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and consistently fitting exercise into your routine are small, simple steps you can take to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Don't knock your over-the-counter options. Taking pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is a simple and safe way to get your hip pain under control. The medicines take the edge off your discomfort by reducing inflammation and allowing you to cope with your symptoms better. If necessary, we may recommend other medications, such as muscle relaxants or antidepressants to further manage your symptoms.
Remember that you can quickly get stuck in a cycle of managing your pain with medications. Always talk to us about what you're taking and when, and we can help you manage your medications appropriately.
Some other alternative therapies you may not have considered—like acupuncture, chiropractic care, and massage therapy—can also be effective hip pain relievers. These therapies aren’t guaranteed for everyone, but many find them helpful in managing their pain.
Don't let the thought of surgery keep you from getting the help you need. There are more options than you might realize, and we’ll help you find the one that will work best for you. Call or click to schedule an appointment with one of our experts today.
