6 Dos and Don’ts For Managing Hip Pain In Seniors

Do Seniors And Hip Pain Go Hand-In-Hand?

According to one study, 1 in 4 people over the age of 60 will develop hip pain. Because hip pain is so common, many think that pain is part of getting old. However, hip pain prevents the elderly from doing simple tasks, sleeping comfortably and can even lead to surgery. For some people, managing the pain is the key to having a longer, more active life.

What’s behind the hip pain?

There are many causes of hip pain. The most common cause is osteoarthritis, the gradual wear, and tear of the joint cartilage. Septic arthritis and bursitis are other common causes, usually related to joint inflammation. That does not rule out reasons like RA, fractures, labral tears, and hamstring injuries. In most cases, hip pain does not require urgent medical help and is manageable at home. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to manage hip pain.

1. Do make sure to move your body

Exercise will strengthen the muscles around the hip, which will reduce pain. Start with small movements and gradually increase the intensity. Low-impact exercises, stretching, and resistance training will help improve joint mobility. Later on, seniors will realize that there is less pain and that movement becomes more manageable. Consult a physical therapist for the exercises to relieve hip pain.

2. Do try over-the-counter medications

For hip pain caused by strains, osteoarthritis, or tendinitis, pain medications called NSAIDs can help. These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Corticosteroids and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs may also be prescribed for hip pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. However, make sure to consult with a doctor first before taking any medication. These drugs may have serious side effects, especially for older people.

3. Do go for hot and cold therapy

If hip pain is caused by an inflamed joint due to arthritis or bursitis, try icing the particular joint to reduce inflammation. This can be done using an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Place the pack on the spot where you feel the pain for 10 to 15 minutes daily. Then try warming up the arthritic joint. A hot shower or bath can also soothe the arthritic joint. However, this is not recommended if the cause of the hip pain is bursitis, as heat may worsen the inflammation.

4. Don’t stand for long periods or cross your legs

Standing for long hours increases arthritis pain as well as crossing the legs when seated. These positions put pressure on the joints and worsen the pain. Take adequate rest to keep pressure off the joints. At least 20 minutes of rest per hour can help.

5. Don’t engage in high-impact activities

Avoid running, especially downhill, jumping, and high-intensity interval workouts, especially if the hip pain is caused by arthritis or bursitis. These exercises and other high-impact activities can worsen your pain instead of relieving them. Try walking, stretching, cycling, or swimming instead. Remember, exercising should alleviate pain. If the exercise is painful, there might be something wrong. Better to ask for advice from a physical therapist.

6. Don’t take medications hastily

Seniors may be tempted to take over-the-counter pain medications and NSAIDs to relieve the pain immediately. And this is encouraged. However, do not take any drug without consultation with a doctor or pharmacist first. If the medication creates any side effects, don’t just wait for the symptoms to go away. Instead, report the side effects to a doctor immediately.

Get hip to managing your hip pain

These dos and don’ts can help reduce inflammation, increase strength and flexibility. Hip joints are delicate for seniors. Up to 50% of seniors die within 6 months of a hip fracture, so keeping the joints functioning as best as possible is vital. Most painful hip joints respond well to non-surgical therapies. However, if the pain persists, speak with a doctor about a total hip replacement. Getting hip pain under control improves the quality of life.