FAQ regarding Hip Pain

Hip Q & A

What causes hip pain?

Reasons for hip pain include:

Arthritis (particularly osteoarthritis)
Injury
Infection
Tendinitis
Muscle or tendon strain
Developmental abnormalities of the hip
Osteonecrosis (death of the bone tissue due to interruption of the blood supply). This may be caused by dislocation or hip fracture.

Can the hip pain discomfort be felt in other areas?

Yes, depending on the condition causing your hip pain you may feel the discomfort in the :

Thigh
Groin
Buttocks
Inside of the hip joint
Outside of the hip joint

What are some at-home treatments for hip pain?

There are numerous ways you can ease your hip pain without medication or surgery, including:

Rest- Be sure to get plenty of rest to allow your body to attempt to heal and recover.
Elevate your leg- Elevate either the leg on the same side as your hip pain or both legs; for some people, this gentle stretch on the hips can disperse inflammation.
Ice the affected area- Place ice on the affected area for up to 15 minutes, multiple times a day.
Exercise- The hips are ball-and-socket joints that need regular movement to stay agile. Low-impact exercises like stretching and resistance training can decrease pain and improve your joint mobility.

When should I seek medical help for hip pain?

Schedule an appointment if:

The pain is not going away.
You notice swelling, redness or warmth around the joint.
You have hip pain at night or when you are resting.

How do I know if I need medical help right away for hip pain?

Get medical help right away if:

The hip pain came on suddenly.
A fall or other injury triggered the hip pain.
You heard a popping noise when you injured your hip.
Your hip pain is intense.
You cant put any weight on your hip.
You cant move your leg or hip.
Your joint looks deformed or bleeding.

What can I expect when I arrive for an appointment regarding hip pain?

Dr. Lee conducts a physical exam to assess the duration and severity of your hip pain. He may send you for an X-ray to determine any possible loss of cartilage in the hip socket. To confirm your diagnosis, Dr. Lee might send you for additional tests, like an MRI or a CT scan.

If surgery is needed, how is a hip replacement surgery performed?

During your hip replacement surgery, Dr. Lee surgically removes the damaged cartilage, ball-and-socket mechanism, and the head of the thighbone, and replaces them with artificial implants.

Are there different types of hip replacement surgeries?

Dr. Robert Lee will explain the the different options and which one he thinks will be the most suitable for you. Dr. Lee offers both the posterior and anterior approach to patients requiring hip replacement surgery.

The anterior technique offers several theoretical advantages:

Less muscle trauma
Lower dislocation rate
Faster recovery
Less post operative pain
Less restrictions on hip range of motion

What can I expect for my recovery after hip replacement surgery?

The recovery period for a hip replacement surgery varies, but you’ll need to plan ahead and make sure you’ve set aside plenty of time to rest. The medical staff will monitor you and encouraged to sit up, or even attempt to walk with a walker or crutches, shortly after your surgery.

You may have to wear compression stockings or inflatable air sleeves on your lower legs to prevent blood clots, and Dr. Lee may prescribe additional medications.

Physical therapy is also a key part of your recovery and will help you get used to your new hip and maintain and improve your mobility. Your healing process begins immediately, so every step is important.

Where should I start to address my hip pain? Is a referral from my family physician necessary?

If you are concerned with your hip pain, call 208.254.6480 to reach Dr. Robert Lee’s practice or book your appointment online at https://www.drleeorthopedics.com. If a referral is needed for insurance purposes, we will help coordinate with your physicians office.