When to Seek Professional Help for Hip Pain

Are you trying to get through your everyday routine while managing persistent hip pain? At Integrated Spine and Pain Services in Falls Church and Alexandria, Virginia, we understand that many people wonder when is the right moment to get professional help. 

Our board-certified physician, Stephanie Clop, MD, and the dedicated team have your back. Our main goal is to ensure you get the proper care at the right time. So, if you're wondering whether now's the time to seek help for your hip pain, read on to find the guidance you're looking for.

Understanding hip pain

Hip pain can be an occasional visitor or a long-term tenant, depending on the underlying cause. The pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain, Whether from an injury, overuse, or medical conditions. 

Sometimes, simple home remedies like applying ice, rest, or over-the-counter pain relievers can offer relief. But how do you tell when it's time to see a doctor?

Seeking medical help for hip pain

While some hip pain episodes might dissipate with home remedies, there are certain instances where professional intervention is crucial. Let's break this down. You might want to consider an appointment if you have the following symptoms:

• Your hip has a visible deformity
• Movement of your hip is severely limited
• Standing up becomes an unbearable challenge
• There's a presence of symptoms suggesting an infection, like fever or redness

We know making medical decisions can sometimes be daunting. If you're on the fence about seeking help, reach out to the Integrated Spine and Pain Services team. We're here to offer guidance and ensure you take the best steps for your health.

Treatment options for hip pain

So you've decided to get professional advice on your hip pain—great choice! Now, what can you expect?

At Integrated Spine and Pain Services, our treatment approach is tailored to you. Initially, we might suggest conservative treatments like medications or physical therapy to ease the pain and improve mobility.

One notable treatment option we offer is joint injections. These injections, administered with precision using X-ray guidance, can provide immediate and long-term relief. Here's how they work:

1. The targeted area around your hip is numbed using local anesthesia.
2. Our specialist, guided by the X-ray, injects an anesthetic and cortisone into the joint.
3. Post-injection, you'll relax for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the solution to work its magic.

The beauty of this procedure? Many of our patients report significant relief in just hours! The anesthetic offers immediate solace, while the cortisone works longer-term to manage inflammation and discomfort.

Your body has its ways of signaling when something's not right. If your hip pain is more than just an occasional annoyance and starts affecting your daily activities, it's a clear sign to get it checked.

Remember, your well-being is paramount. Dr. Stephani Clop and the team are here to support you every step of the way. Please schedule an appointment at our Northern Virginia location nearest you to get relief from persistent hip pain.