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What to Do If You Have Hip Pain
An expert’s advice on next steps to take, depending on the condition
January 27, 2020
[This article originally appeared on https://www.NextAvenue.org]
David Cooper experienced hip issues in his late 40s, primarily when he slept on his side or walked uphill. He had been seeing a rheumatologist (a specialist in musculoskeletal disease and autoimmune conditions) and taking oral medication and topical painkillers for arthritis in other joints. “I applied the topical meds to my hip and mentioned it to my doctor,” says Cooper, 65, of Brooklyn, N.Y. “I also changed my walking routes to avoid steep hills.”
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Cooper eventually was diagnosed with a common hip condition called trochanteric bursitis — inflammation at the part of the hip called the greater trochanter. His doctor prescribed hip stretching exercises in addition to the treatment he was already doing for his arthritis. He continued seeing his rheumatologist, taking pain medications and stretching. He continues to seek pain relief for his condition.
Cooper is one of many people who experience ongoing hip pain. Although we tend to think of older adults when it comes to this ailment, people younger than 50…
