Hip pain is pain in or around your hip joint. In some cases, hip pain may be caused by hip structures, such as hip muscles, ligaments or cartilage. In other cases, hip pain may be the result of problems elsewhere in your body, including your lower back or legs. Sudden hip pain may indicate a hip fracture, although there are many possible causes of both acute and chronic hip pain. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of diet and nutrition in treating your hip pain.
About Hip Pain
Possible causes of hip pain include tendonitis, bursitis, muscle strains, ligament sprains, hip joint infection and hip osteonecrosis, or the the death of bone tissue in the upper part of your femur, or hip bone. One of the most common causes of hip pain, however, is osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with hip osteoarthritis include pain, inflammation and stiffness in your hip joint. One or both of your hip joints may be affected by this condition.
Beneficial Dietary Practices
Certain dietary practices may help reduce your hip pain and treat the underlying cause of your condition. If your hip pain is caused by osteoarthritis, notes medical doctor Alan R. Gaby, author of "The Natural Pharmacy," you may benefit from reducing your consumption of nightshade vegetables, such as tomatoes, eggplant and white potatoes. Ground flaxseeds, oat bran and rice bran may be helpful dietary inclusions. Hip pain caused by soft tissue problems -- bursitis, tendinitis, sprains and strains -- may respond to flavonoid-rich foods such as strawberries, blueberries and spinach as well as pineapple and papaya.
A Helpful Food
Papaya may be a helpful food in resolving your hip pain. Papaya, notes George Mateljan, a nutritionist, biologist and author of "The World's Healthiest Foods," is rich in vitamins A, C, E and K, folate, potassium and dietary fiber, and it also contains the protein-digesting enzymes papain and chymopapain that help reduce inflammation in various parts of your body, including your hips. Papayas are ready to consume when they are moderately soft to the touch.
Additional Information
If you develop hip pain on one or both sides of your body, report to your family physician as soon as possible for a full and thorough examination of your health problem. Primary care providers -- including medical doctors, naturopathic physicians and chiropractors -- can assess your condition and make helpful treatment recommendations. These health care professionals can also counsel you on the limitations of nutritional therapy in treating your particular health concern and other therapies that may be more appropriate for you.
References
- MedlinePlus: Hip Pain
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Osteoarthritis of the Hip
- "The Natural Pharmacy"; Alan R. Gaby, M.D.; 2006
- "The World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2007
