Programs & Services
Hip Pain
Sitting, walking, even lying down can be excruciating when suffering from hip pain. Whether you are suffering from osteoarthritis or from injuries to the hip joint, many treatments are available.
Symptoms
Hip pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, and you may be experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty walking
- Pain at the hip joint or radiating into the groin or thighs
- Popping noise at the time of an injury
- Swelling
Primary Treatments
You may be able to reduce or control your hip pain with the following treatments:
- Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Alternate ice and heat to your hip a few times daily for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Sleep on your non-painful side with a pillow between your legs.
- Do physical therapy to stretch your hips, lower back, and thighs.
Surgery
If you have tried primary treatments to improve your pain without success, you may be a candidate for surgery. Discuss with your doctor which option is best for you.
Pain Management for Hip Joint Surgery
If you do need hip replacement or repair surgery, know that your comfort is important. Beginning pre-operatively and continuing through surgery and recovery, patients are given a precise combination of anesthesia and oral medications. Mercy’s pain protocol was developed by a team of physicians, pharmacists, nurses, therapists and other care-givers to reduce your pain and nausea. In addition to increasing your comfort, well-controlled pain can speed healing and lead to fewer complications.
Hip Recovery
While recovering in the hospital from hip surgery, therapists from Mercy’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Program will work with you to start moving and walking as soon as your first day after surgery.