The hip is the joint where the femur bone in the leg articulates with the pelvis. Pain in and around the hip joint is common and can be caused by a problem directly in the joint or in the surrounding muscles, ligaments and tendons. Conditions such as bursitis, osteoarthritis, tendinitis, stress fractures and muscle strains can all cause pain, inflammation and limited motion in the hip joint. Pain caused by a traumatic injury or pain that does not resolve with self-care measures within a few days should be diagnosed by a doctor.
Rest
Those who experience hip pain may need to rest the joint and surrounding soft tissues for a few days to relieve the stress causing the problem. Excessive rest is not recommended, as it can lead to muscle atrophy and exacerbate the problem, but avoiding activities that aggravate the pain is a good idea, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Ice
Many of the conditions that lead to hip pain involve inflammation, and ice is a great first treatment for reducing pain and inflammation. Ice constricts the blood vessels, which will decrease inflammation. Never apply ice directly on the skin. Wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply over the affected hip joint for 20 minutes, according to the Mayo Clinic. Repeat this every two hours. In the first 24 to 72 hours after pain and inflammation is noted, heat should be avoided as it will exacerbate swelling.
Medication
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen can reduce symptoms. These medications are particularly useful because they have both anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. If symptoms are severe and NSAIDs are not helpful, more potent prescription medications can be offered by a doctor. Corticosteroids may also be useful and can be injected directly into the hip joint, according to Virtualmedicalcenter.com.
Stretching
If hip pain is related to joint dysfunction, short and tight muscles may be a part of the problem. Excessive sitting or inactivity can lead to hip flexor muscles becoming chronically tight. To restore full mobility, they must be stretched gently and consistently. Muscles that become dysfunctional build adhesions within the muscle belly that need to be broken down through stretching and other myofascial techniques. Gentle range-of-motion movements are a great way to start introducing full mobility back into the hip.
Exercise
A corresponding problem to short and tight muscles is muscle groups that become weak through inactivity or chronic poor posture. A physical therapist can help diagnose which muscles need to be lengthened through stretching and which need to be strengthened through exercise. The therapist can recommend appropriate exercises specific to the patient's needs. Muscle toning exercises should always follow stretching, according to Dr. Bruce Anderson, M.D. of Uptodate.com.
