What is hip pain?
Hip pain refers to any aching, irritation, or general discomfort that affects one or both hip joints. Depending on the underlying cause, the pain might also spread to your groin or thighs.
Hip pain affects everyone differently. For some, it’s a minor annoyance that responds to over-the-counter medication; for others, it’s debilitating, making it difficult to walk, stand, or exercise.
What are some common causes of hip pain?
Hip pain occurs for various reasons, including:
- Inflamed tendons
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Bursitis
- Fractures
- Snapping hip syndrome
You might also experience hip pain due to a sports-related or overuse injury.
Do I need to visit the chiropractor about hip pain?
Most cases of hip pain are nothing to worry about and resolve on their own. If your symptoms last for more than a few days, contact Little Elm Chiropractic right away. The team can use a variety of treatment modalities to offer you relief.
How is hip pain diagnosed?
To diagnose hip pain, Little Elm Chiropractic providers review your medical history and ask about your symptoms, including if the pain is worse at certain times of the day, if the pain affects your mobility, and when you first noticed a problem.
Afterward, your provider has you walk around the exam room to observe your gait and posture. If they suspect arthritis is the source of your pain, they might also order fluid and imaging tests, including X-rays.
Once your provider determines the source of your hip pain, they develop a custom care plan to help you feel better.
How is hip pain treated?
Whenever possible, Little Elm Chiropractic recommends holistic, integrative treatments to manage hip pain. Depending on your age and health history, that might include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Physical therapy
- Spinal decompression
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- CBD products
- Massage therapy
- Biofreeze®
The goal of treatment is to relieve your pain and restore your mobility.
How can I prevent hip pain?
There’s no way to prevent hip pain entirely, but you can significantly lower your risk by warming up before and after exercise and by practicing proper form. In addition, listen to your body. If your hip becomes stiff or painful during physical activity, take a break instead of pushing through the discomfort.
To learn more about the various treatment options for hip pain, request an appointment at Little Elm Chiropractic. Call to speak with the administrative staff or use the online booking tool.
