Hip Pain

Hip pain affects about 7% of adults in the United States, and it can be debilitating. If hip discomfort or stiffness negatively affects your quality of life, Francis Pecoraro, MD, DAPMR, SAAPMR, of Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC, in Wilmington, North Carolina, offers personalized solutions. He uses advanced, holistic treatments when possible to manage your pain and provide long-lasting relief. Schedule an appointment with Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC, over the phone or request one online to learn more about your options.

What is hip pain?

Hip pain is discomfort near your hip joint or the area where your upper thigh bone meets your pelvis. It often results from injuries to bone, tendons, muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues that make up the joint. Hip-related pain may present as:

• Mild or severe pain
• Dull, aching pain
• Sharp pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Decreased range of motion
• Reduced mobility

Some causes of hip pain subside on their own over time, but in other cases, treatment is necessary to optimize healing and give you relief. If the pain doesn’t go away within a few days or is severe, see Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC for an evaluation.

What causes hip pain?

Numerous factors can contribute to hip pain, including:

• Fractures
• Arthritis
• Infection
• Impingement 
• Bursitis
• Labral tears
• Strains
• Tendonitis
• Pinched nerves
• Osteoporosis

You might sustain a hip injury because of normal wear and tear associated with aging, falling down, having another injury, or playing contact sports. Sometimes the cause of a hip injury isn’t known.

How is hip pain diagnosed?

Dr. Pecoraro diagnoses hip injuries and pain by reviewing your medical history and asking questions about your symptoms. 

He may obtain imaging studies, such as MRIs or X-rays, to make a final diagnosis and determine the best treatment course.

What is the treatment for hip pain?

Your personalized hip pain treatment plan depends on the type and severity of your injury. Dr. Pecoraro might recommend:

Heat and ice therapy

Alternate heat with ice packs to relieve inflammation and pain associated with a hip injury.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy increases strength and flexibility in your hip joint and surrounding tissues. Dr. Pecoraro may recommend physical therapy to help you achieve hip pain relief and prevent future injuries.

Injections

Steroid and local anesthetic injections can reduce inflammation and relieve hip pain.

Surgery

If you have a severe injury or degeneration requiring surgery, Dr. Pecoraro can refer you to a qualified orthopedic surgeon in your area for further evaluation and to discuss treatment options.

Don’t live with hip pain or take addictive pain medicine when simple treatments at Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC, can alleviate your discomfort. Schedule an appointment over the phone or request one online today.