One of the main weight-bearing joints in the human body is the hip, and any injury to the hip joint may cause mild to severe pain. Hip joint pain can stem from any number of injuries, including accident and sports-related trauma, although the most common cause is osteoarthritis, a deterioration of the cartilage in the joint. In many cases, anti-inflammatory drugs may be useful in reducing pain and preventing further injury.
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, reduce pain and inflammation and can be used to relieve discomfort from hip pain. These drugs work by preventing enzymes called cyclooxygenase, or COX, from functioning, which results in stomach upset and bleeding as well as the intended effect of decreased pain and inflammation in the hip. Common NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen and naproxen.
Cox-2 inhibitors are also NSAIDs that can be used to decrease hip pain and inflammation, but these drugs target only the cox-2 enzyme that activates the inflammatory response. Due to the focused action, cox-2 inhibitors are less likely to cause stomach upset while it decreases inflammation in the hip. Only one cox-2 inhibitor remains on the market today after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration removed several others because of risk of cardiac side effects, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Immune Selective Anti-Inflammatory Derivatives
Immune selective anti-inflammatory derivatives, or ImSAIDs, are neither steroidal or non-steroidal. Rather, they work on the cellular level to reduce inflammation and can be used to reduce inflammation and pain in the hip. According to the drug's maker Imulan Biotherapeutics, ImSAIDs have no known toxicities and do not compromise the immune system.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are an effective medication for reducing hip inflammation. They work by mirroring adrenal gland activity, producing extra steroids in the body that reduce inflammation and relief pain. Corticosteroids are taken orally in pill form, applied topically in cream form directly to the hip, or injected directly into the hip joint.
Side effects of corticosteroids can include glaucoma, fluid retention, mood swings, weight gain, increased risk of infection and high blood sugar.
