If you’re experiencing hip pain, it can be difficult to determine when and if you should see an orthopedic doctor for help. You may be wondering the following: Is what I feel enough to warrant an appointment with a doctor? Should I wait until it gets worse? Will home treatments make it better?
Your hip is very critical to your daily function. While no pain is “normal,” in some cases, symptoms do subside with home remedies. In this article, we will give you some signs it’s time to see an orthopedic doctor for your hip pain.
What Could Be Causing Your Hip Pain?
Hip pain is often the result of a strain or sprain due to overuse, such as when you overexert yourself in an activity you do not regularly engage in or are not in the right condition to do. You have heard of stories of hip pain arising from playing sports, exercising, or gardening. Or, you could have fractured or dislocated your hip, which can happen due to accidents like falls, bad landings, or collisions. Think about what you were doing before you started feeling hip pain, it could just be that.
Another reason for hip pain is age-related wear and tear on the joint, or arthritis. Hip arthritis is more common in people ages 60 and older. Arthritis of the hip usually causes symptoms such as pain, warmth, swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
Regardless of its cause, hip pain can make everyday activities uncomfortable and affect your quality of life significantly if left untreated.
Signs You Should See an Orthopedic Doctor for Hip Pain
Before deciding whether to seek medical attention for your hip discomfort, it’s important to assess how severe it is — mild soreness that subsides with rest could likely resolve itself without professional intervention. However, moderate to severe symptoms warrant evaluation from an orthopedic doctor.
In general, here are some signs that suggest seeing an orthopedic specialist:
- Persistent swelling around the hip joint
- Severe stiffness that makes movement difficult
- Not being able to move leg on the affected side in a full circle without feeling tightness and restricted mobility
- Pain radiating down into the leg or foot
- Inability to bear weight on one side of the hip (the affected side) while walking
- An unusual popping sensation within or around the hip joint
- Nighttime pains and waking up frequently at night due to intense throbbing aches in the hip
It is not recommended that you ignore hip pain symptoms. This is because hip pain is likely to get worse without proper intervention. Whether your orthopedic doctor determines that rest and minor lifestyle changes are enough or if you need medical treatment to alleviate the pain, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and see a medical professional when it comes to hip pain. Early intervention helps ensure the best possible chance at recovery and normalcy.
Orthopedic Doctor for Hip Pain in Dover, NJ
Dr. Steven Stecker at The Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip treatments. Dr. Stecker provides treatments that range from non-surgical to surgery, including minimally invasive hip joint replacement for advanced hip arthritis.
Dr. Stecker is committed to the symptom relief of our patients. Find out what he recommends in your case. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (973) 989-0888 or use our online form to make your request.
