How do I Manage My Hip Pain Without Surgery?

Managing Hip Pain Non-Operatively

Why does my hip hurt?

There can be many different reasons why you have hip pain, a few common conditions I treat non-operatively in my practice are:

• Hip Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Tendinitis
• Tendon or Muscle Strain
• Hamstring Injuries
• FAI – Femoroacetabular Impingement
• AVN – Avascular Necrosis

How can I stop hip pain without surgery?

In my practice, where I serve patients from Manhattan, Brooklyn, New York City and surrounding New York boroughs, I prefer a conservative approach before ever considering surgery. Many hip conditions can be treated with non-operative measures including:

• I.C.E – Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Often the first line of defense when hip pain first presents.
• NSAID’s – Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs – Reduces swelling and helps with pain. NSAIDs can be a good option to treat muscular tears, bursitis, arthritis, tendonitis, and some labral tears. I also prescribe anti-inflammatories as in conjunction with a strengthening program.
• Physical Therapy – Often part of a multi-faceted approach, physical therapy is effective at strengthening the muscles in and around the hip. Stronger muscles help reduce inflammation and hip pain.
• Hip Injections – Also effective in helping diagnose the direct cause of hip pain, hip injections are effective at providing immediate relief from hip pain. Some types of injections I perform which are ultrasound guided are:
  • PSOAS Injections
  • Trochanteric Bursa Injection
  • Intra-Articular Injections

Is my hip pain serious?

Hip pain should not be ignored. Pain is the body’s defense mechanism, signaling a problem that you should pay attention to. Any hip pain that persists or keeps you from doing daily activities or from playing the sports you love should be addressed.  I’m happy to discuss your hip pain symptoms and can tell you if you should be seen in my office.

When should I see a doctor for my hip pain?

There are instances when you should see me, or make an appointment right away. Hip pain symptoms requiring immediate action are:

• Hip pain that comes on suddenly and are severe.
• Hip pain that does not allow you to bear weight.
• An injury, wreck, fall or trauma that has caused sudden and severe hip pain.
• If you heard a popping noise when you injured your hip.
• Inability to move your hip without pain.
• If the joint looks deformed or is bleeding.

Not all hip pain needs to be treated surgically. In my practice I have great success with conservative, non-operative management of hip pain. If you have been suffering from hip pain, please contact my offices to see what I can do to get you out of pain.

For additional resources on managing hip pain non-operatively, please contact the office of Benedict Nwachukwu, MD, orthopedic shoulder surgeon serving Manhattan, New York City and surrounding New York boroughs.   

How to Manage Hip Pain Without Surgery