What can Cause Hip Pain in a Woman
Hip pain can affect anyone, from adults to our grandparents. Pinpointing the root cause of the pain can be tricky. The only way to confirm the underlying cause of the intense hip pain is by visiting an orthopedic hospital in Navi Mumbai. In the meantime, let’s take a look at the common causes of hip pain in women.
1. Arthritis
Hip pain in women is often linked to arthritis, the inflammation of the joints, which can make movements super painful. As women grow older, the cartilage that protects their joints wears away.
The result is pain during movements. Arthritis affects your weight-bearing joints, including those in your knees and hips. The question is, what makes women more likely to develop it? The onset of menopause results in a decline in your estrogen levels, which are supposed to keep inflammation under control and improve bone density.
Treatment
Osteoarthritis is not curable but can be managed with lifestyle changes, NSAIDs, and corticosteroid injections if the pain is severe. If nothing works, you may need to see a hip replacement surgeon in Navi Mumbai to discuss hip replacement surgery for long-term relief.
2. Pregnancy-related Pain
Hip pain is quite normal during pregnancy. Your body releases the hormone relaxin to prepare your body for childbirth. Changes in your pelvic floor during pregnancy can cause hip pain. It resolves automatically after childbirth in some women, while in others, it lingers for a while.
Treatment
Pregnancy or postpartum-related hip pain is temporary. Lying on your back and using a pillow between your knees while resting can help relieve pressure in your hips. You can also try joint-stabilizing exercises, yoga, and acupuncture after discussing them with your gynecologist.
3. Hip Fracture
Fracture in younger women is linked to accidents or trauma. In the elderly, it may be due to the calcium loss that occurs over time. Low bone density and weaker bones can make them more prone to hip fractures. Women are more prone to fractures than men, as the declining estrogen can reduce bone density rapidly.
Treatment
Treatment for hip fractures depends on their location and severity. A simple fracture that doesn’t cause the bone to pierce through the skin can be corrected with medication and physical therapy. An open or compound fracture may require surgical intervention.
4. Bursitis
Bursae (fluid-filled sacs) are responsible for facilitating smooth joint movements. They are like soft pillows, cushioning your bones, tendons, and muscles so that they don’t rub against each other when you use the joint. These sacs can swell or become inflamed due to repetitive movements, poor posture, injury, excessive pressure, or overuse of the hip joint. Inflamed or infected bursae can cause intense shooting pain that radiates to your upper thigh. It’s accompanied by stiffness and tenderness.
Treatment
Bursae can be treated with non-invasive methods, such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, supportive footwear, and corticosteroid injections (when the pain is severe and persistent). Hip pain can have many underlying causes. It can be due to an injury or hormonal changes. The good news is most types of hip pain can be effectively treated with simple remedies, including rest, physical therapy, and medication. See a healthcare provider to learn more about treatment options for hip pain.