Living with hip pain, especially from osteoarthritis, can be frustrating and limiting. The good news is that there are effective strategies you can use at home to manage your discomfort and improve your quality of life. While these methods don’t replace medical advice, they may help you delay further intervention and stay mobile without a trip back to the doctor’s office.
1. Use heat or cold therapy appropriately
Understanding when to use heat or cold can make a big difference in managing joint pain:
• Cold therapy is most effective right after physical activity or when inflammation flares up. Apply a cold pack or a bag of ice wrapped in a cloth to the hip area for 15-20 minutes to help reduce swelling and numb sharp pain.
• Heat therapy works well for chronic, ongoing pain. A warm shower, bath or a heating pad can relax tight muscles, ease stiffness and improve blood circulation around the joint.
Alternate between cold and heat depending on the nature of your discomfort but avoid using either method for more than 20 minutes at a time.
2. Stay active with low-impact movement
It might seem counterintuitive to move when you’re in pain, but regular, gentle movement can actually help reduce stiffness and promote healing:
• Walking is one of the best low-impact exercises for people with hip arthritis. It strengthens muscles, maintains joint flexibility and encourages blood flow.
• Doctor- or therapist-approved exercises – such as leg lifts, stretches or aquatic therapy – can help improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles supporting your hip.
Remaining active also plays a critical role in weight management, which is key in reducing pressure on your hip joints. Even modest weight loss can significantly decrease joint strain and pain.
3. Use over-the-counter medications wisely
For many people, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from hip pain. However:
• Always consult your doctor before starting any new medication – especially if you have other health conditions or are taking other prescriptions.
• If OTC options aren’t effective or suitable for you, your doctor might recommend corticosteroid injections or other targeted treatments for longer-term/temporary relief.
4. Know when it’s time for medical intervention
If you’ve tried conservative at-home care like rest, ice, heat, movement and medication for 12 weeks or more without meaningful relief, it may be time to consider total hip replacement.
Nova Surgery Centers offer a patient-focused, minimally invasive approach to hip replacement that’s designed to help you regain mobility, reduce pain and get back to living life on your terms – Better. Faster. Cheaper. Their experienced orthopedic surgeons use state-of-the-art technology and personalized care plans to ensure the best possible outcomes, all at a lower cost than traditional hospital settings. Bonus, there is NO hospital stay!
Take the first step toward lasting relief. Learn more or schedule your consultation today at NovaSurgeryCenters.com.
– Staff report, The Houston 100