Why You Shouldn't Ignore Recurrent Hip Pain

An estimated 14.3% of Americans over the age of 60 experience some level of hip pain. Many people of a younger age also develop chronic hip pain due to sports injuries or damage from degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis.

At AABP Integrative Pain Care and Wellness, we offer comprehensive care for acute and chronic hip pain that interferes with your quality of life.

Our pain management specialists tailor a care plan using nonsurgical solutions, such as steroid injections, to ease pain and improve mobility. We also recommend holistic strategies, such as meditation and mindfulness practices, to support overall wellness.

Identifying the causes of hip pain

A common cause of hip pain in younger people is injuries from falls or other unexpected events. Athletes at all levels are also susceptible to hip pain, especially those who play sports like soccer that require repetitive leg movements.

Older people may develop chronic hip pain due to osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition in which the cartilage that holds the hip joint in place wears away. Chronic inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis can also contribute to chronic hip pain.

Other causes of hip pain can include:

• Bursitis
• Fractures
• Muscle imbalances
• Loss of blood supply to the hip joint

You can also experience hip pain if you damage the nerves near the hip, including the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lumbar (lower) spine down into the hips and legs.

Consequences of ignoring hip pain

Even minor hip pain can progress into a chronic pain condition that limits your mobility and lowers your quality of life. Many causes of hip pain, including osteoarthritis, won’t get better on their own and require medical intervention. The longer you wait, the more complex the treatment.

Other consequences of untreated hip pain include:

Increased risk of injuries in other parts of the body

When you experience persistent hip pain, you may unknowingly change how you move your body, which can increase your risk for injuries in areas beyond the hip. For example, if you’re unable to bear weight on a painful hip, you may alter your posture and increase the stress on your other hip, spine, and knees.

Difficulties staying active

Hip pain can limit physical activity and result in too much time sitting or lying down. An inactive lifestyle can affect health in many ways, including increasing the risk of weight gain, muscle atrophy, and pain in other parts of the body.

Higher risk for mental health issues

Chronic pain is linked to mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. When you’re sidelined by pain and can’t keep up with your loved ones, you may feel alone, helpless, and hopeless.

Get early help for hip pain

AABP Integrative Pain Care and Wellness offers diagnostic evaluations to identify the root cause of hip pain so you can get the needed treatment without delays. 

Our experienced physicians offer a full range of nonsurgical treatments, including joint injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, spinal cord stimulation, and radiofrequency ablation.

Our goal is to help you achieve lasting pain relief and restore hip joint function so you can enjoy an active, well-balanced life.

Call AABP Integrative Pain Care and Wellness in Garden City or Brooklyn, New York, today to schedule a hip pain evaluation or book a consultation online.