Pain Management for Hip Dysplasia

Your hip joint hurts. Believe it or not, hip joint pain is very common. It can arise from different medical conditions, such as Hip Dysplasia. According to Sharp.com, women account for about 85% of the patients diagnosed with this condition.

Sharp.com (2016) also explains that Hip Dysplasia occurs when there is a malformation of the hip joint causing a mild instability or a total dislocation of the hip. Some of the symptoms that you may experience are:

• Pain in the hip region when engaging physical activity
• Difficulty when walking or a decrease in how long or how far you can walk
• Grinding sensation in the joint
• Limping
• Hearing a click or clunk sound that may be painless
• Loss or decrease in range of motion of the hip
• Weakness in the leg
• Pain in the groin and/or outer buttock or thigh

To alleviate the pain, consult a doctor. He may provide surgical and non-surgical options to manage your pain or attempt to eliminate the condition. Like many people, you may be inclined to try all things “non-surgery” first. Here are some things you can try but always under the supervision and advise of your doctor:

Physical Activity Modification

• Wear supportive athletic shoes if you are engaging walking and other physical exercise.
• Strengthen the muscles supporting the hip joint (gluteals, quadriceps, hamstrings, abductors, adductors and hip flexor)
• Modify intensity of physical activity. For example, walking, climbing hills or stairs may cause you pain. Modify the intensity of these activities by shortening how many days you engage the walking per week, allowing periods of rest. Also, consider investing in medical equipment to help you climb the stairs safely and with no pain.

Weight Management

• Excessive weight adds extra pressure on the joints, which can cause you even more pain, inflammation and decreased activity. Consider losing those extra pounds to alleviate the weight overload on your joints.

Medications

• Doctors may consider prescribing anti-inflammatory or pain management medication. Never self-prescribe any medication! Consult your doctor!

The above suggestions are meant to help you find ways to manage your hip pain. It is very important that you consult your Doctor first and let your Doctor diagnose and treat your condition. Feel better! Move easier! Be Safe!