How to Manage Hip Pain Without Surgery

You do not always need to undergo surgery to properly manage hip pain. It is possible to manage your hip pain without surgery if you have the right treatment options.

Hip pain does not need to be a part of your life. If your pain has become hard to manage, it might be time to speak with an orthopedic doctor. Here are a few ways to manage your hip pain without surgery.

8 Hip Pain Management Options

1. Physical Therapy

One of the best options for hip pain treatment is physical therapy. Even if you have to undergo surgery, you will likely need physical therapy to get back to normal.

However, you can often manage hip pain without surgery with the right physical therapy. Your therapist will help work your muscles to increase flexibility and strengthen your hip. This can help to improve your pain and give you more range of motion.

2. Losing Weight

Depending on your situation, losing weight might help to relieve your hip pain. The hips are weight-bearing joints and the more weight they have to bear, the more painful they can become. Losing weight can help to lessen your hip pain, particularly if you suffer from arthritis.

3. PRP Therapy

While it is a newer type of treatment, PRP or Platelet-rich Plasma therapy can help your body heal faster. With PRP therapy, cells from your body will be collected, processed, and injected into the hip to help promote regeneration and healing. This type of therapy may sometimes be a viable alternative to surgery.

4. Medications

A common way to manage hip pain without surgery is with NSAIDs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs offer a way to lessen the pain and may be recommended if you suffer from an inflammatory disorder of the hip including rheumatoid arthritis.

5. Hip Injections

If you have been taking medications and going through physical therapy, but the pain is not subsiding, an injection might be necessary. Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid can be used to help reduce inflammation and improve lubrication of the hip joint. With the right injections, you might be able to manage your hip pain without surgery.

6. Braces and Walkers

Physical aids, such as braces and walkers can help take the stress off your hips. If you suffer from arthritis, these aids can help keep you from falling. You can also use special aids for specific activities, such as putting on shoes or reaching for objects.

7. R.I.C.E.

Of course, one of the first options for treating hip pain is R.I.C.E. If it is a new injury, use Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation to help relieve the pain.

8. Exercise

Depending on what is causing your hip pain, exercise can be used as a treatment. Just like physical therapy, the right exercises can help to strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility. Make sure to speak with your doctor before attempting any exercise routine.

When you suffer from hip pain, living with the pain might not be easy. If the pain becomes unbearable, it is time to speak with a doctor and find out how to manage your hip pain. There are several options and surgery might not be always be necessary to relieve your hip pain.