Hip Pain Treatment Information

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) [1], about 14 percent of adults above the age of 60 in the United States have significant hip pain. The incidence is even higher among US adults who do not participate in physical activity. What causes hip pain and what are the treatment options available?

Hip Pain: Causes and Treatment

As the largest joint in the body, the hip is designed to be quite durable, but it isn’t completely immune to wear and tear and repetitive motion injuries. As we age, the bones, muscles, tendons, and cartilage in the hip can become worn out. In addition, falls and injuries can lead to hip fractures. Here are some conditions that can cause hip pain:

• Osteoarthritis of the hip
• Fractures
• Hip bursitis
• Tendinitis
• Strain/sprain
• Cartilage tears
• Avascular necrosis or osteonecrosis due to fracture, dislocation, or long-term steroid use

Hip pain caused by arthritis, sprain/strain, or tendinitis may be relieved by over-the-counter pain medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids may offer short-term relief from hip pain. Drugs that target the immune system may be prescribed for hip pain due to rheumatoid arthritis. Conservative measures such as rest, ice, or gentle stretching of the hip joint may help some people feel better. Low-impact exercises like swimming and formal physical therapy can help increase mobility and decrease pain. For moderate to severe hip pain, cortisone injections may be recommended; however, steroid shots are associated with some serious side effects.

Surgery for Hip Pain: Is It Worth It?

When osteoarthritis of the hip becomes severe and the pain is unrelenting, doctors may recommend a total hip replacement. This surgery is becoming increasingly common. A Mayo Clinic study reported that between 1969 when the first hip implant was placed and 2010, about 2.5 million Americans underwent hip arthroplasty (replacement surgery) [2]. But there are several risks associated with hip replacement surgery, including bleeding, blood clots, wound complications, postoperative deep infection, fracture during surgery, postoperative dislocation, nerve injury, discrepancy in leg length, and loosening of the implant requiring a second visit to the operating room.

I Have Severe Hip Pain and I Don’t Want Surgery: What Should I Do?

Some people are not candidates for a major surgical procedure like hip arthroplasty due to coexisting health conditions. Others simply do not want to undergo surgery and prolonged rehabilitation. Yet others are wary of the potential complications of hip replacement.

If you have unremitting hip pain and don’t want surgery, there’s a groundbreaking new intervention that could provide pain relief and restore mobility. Regenerative therapy is a relatively new field of medicine which relies on supporting the body in healing itself. These treatments are natural boosters that provide the framework for the body to begin repair and regeneration of damaged and injured tissues. By using human cell and tissue products, regenerative injections create an optimal environment in the area of damage to start the recovery process.

What Are the Risks Associated with Regenerative Amniotic Injections for Hip Pain?

The placental and cord tissues used in our regenerative medicine products enjoy an immune privilege, meaning that they don’t trigger an immune response. Therefore, amniotic injections carry no risk of rejection by the recipient. Regenerative injections for hip pain have been found to be very safe and effective and studies report no significant side effects or complications.

The amniotic products used at Living Well Balanced are processed from tissues donated by carefully-screened mothers. These tissues are typically discarded after childbirth. The regenerative products we use to treat hip pain should not be confused with embryonic stem cells.

Set up an appointment today to see what regenerative medicine can do for you. An active lifestyle and regained mobility may not be as far fetched as you think. If you have questions about Regenerative Medicine for your hip pain please call our office at 919-926-8890.