Hip Pain

Does hip pain go away on its own?

Most hip pain is mild and improves with conservative treatments, like ice, rest, and over-the-counter pain medication. But ongoing pain that affects your ability to work or exercise might point to a more serious problem. 

Make an appointment with the DuPage Spine and Orthopaedics team if you’re concerned about your hip’s movement or flexibility, especially if you also see sudden swelling or have difficulty walking.

What are common causes of hip pain?

At DuPage Spine and Orthopaedics, Dr. Koutsky and the team treat hip pain caused by:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Bursitis
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Work injuries
• Sports injuries
• Car accidents
• Hip labral tears
• Hip dislocations
• Fractures

Sometimes, hip pain occurs due to a congenital birth abnormality, like developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

How does an orthopaedic surgeon diagnose hip pain?

Dr. Koutsky reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, what it feels like, and whether it extends into other parts of your body, like your lower leg, buttocks, or back.

He examines your hip and buttocks, checking for redness, swelling, and bruising. He assesses your hip joint’s range of motion and tests your reflexes and muscle strength.

If Dr. Koutsky suspects an underlying injury, like a fracture or a dislocated joint, he orders X-rays to get a closer look at your hip bones and hip socket.

How does an orthopaedic surgeon treat hip pain?

Dr. Koutsky and the DuPage Spine and Orthopaedics team treat hip pain using a conservative, minimally invasive approach. They might suggest:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE protocol)
• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling
• Physical therapy to restore range of motion
• Stretching before physical activity
• Crutches or another type of mobility device to support movement while you heal

You might benefit from hip surgery if your symptoms continue even after conservative treatments. Dr. Koutsky offers minimally invasive hip arthroscopy and open hip surgery. He has privileges at Elmhurst Hospital in Hinsdale and performs procedures there.

Is there any way to prevent hip pain?

You can’t prevent hip pain entirely, but you can take steps to keep it from worsening. The DuPage Spine and Orthopaedics team recommends resting and recovering after intense workouts, wearing comfortable shoes, and listening to your body during exercise.

Call DuPage Spine and Orthopaedics today to schedule an appointment, or book your visit online.