Just over 14% of older adults report experiencing some kind of hip pain on most days. It’s more common in the elderly, although people of any age can suffer from chronic pain in their hips.
A chronic condition is defined as something that lasts more than three months. To learn some tips for coping with chronic hip pain, check out the list below.
1. Wear the Right Shoes
All the different parts of the human body are interconnected — including the skeleton. What you wear on your feet has an impact on the condition of your hips.
Anyone suffering from joint pain should avoid wearing high heels. An orthopedic can prescribe custom orthotics to ensure joint health.
2. Do Low Impact Exercise
High impact exercise involves movements that put a lot of pressure on the joints. For those with chronic hip pain, these exercises should be avoided.
Low impact exercise can help strengthen the tissue around the joints, helping to protect them. Some examples of low impact exercises are:
- Yoga
- Tai Chi
- Biking
- Walking
- Swimming
- Aqua aerobics
- Elliptical exercise
Although exercise is difficult for people with chronic pain, exercise will reduce that pain in the long term.
3. Try Different Therapies
Physical therapy is a common treatment for people who suffer from chronic pain. These therapists usually combine massage therapy with stretching exercises to target the precise area of their patient’s pain.
Another type of therapy that anyone can do at home is hot and cold therapy. Applying ice to the area, followed by a hot gel pack, helps improve blood flow.
Even stem cell therapy offers some new possibilities for treating chronic pain. This typically involves injecting stem cells directly into the joint.
4. Take Anti-Inflammatories
While not ideal, it can be helpful to take anti-inflammatory drugs to help alleviate chronic hip pain. This might be acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen.
A doctor can prescribe stronger anti-inflammatory medications like methotrexate or sulfasalazine.
5. Keep to an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Eating right can also help reduce the amount of inflammation in the body, reducing chronic pain symptoms.
An anti-inflammatory diet avoids foods like soda, anything fried, refined carbohydrates, and red meat. Instead, stick with leafy greens, fruits, olive oil, tomatoes, nuts, and fatty fish.
6. Consider Surgery
Surgery should be a last resort when dealing with chronic hip pain. However, if the hip pain resulted from a trauma, it may be the best resort.
If you notice discoloration around the painful area, that the skin is hot a swollen, or are suffering from a fever after experiencing hip trauma, contact a medical professional immediately.
Living With Chronic Hip Pain
Living with chronic hip pain — or any type of chronic pain — can have a negative impact on a person’s quality of life. It can lead to serious mental health issues like anxiety and depression. It’s important to talk about living with chronic pain and find a community of others who understand.
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