How Long Should I Wait for Hip Pain to Go Away?

It depends on the situation; in other words, the root cause of the pain. After hip replacement surgery, the patient starts walking on the second day and there is no to very negligible pain postoperatively. For mild discomfort, anti-inflammatory medicines are prescribed.

Gradually, the patient begins to move the hip joint more and more, experiencing pain-free mobility and a comfortable lifestyle.

As far as hip pain from overuse is concerned, it will go away with rest, depending on the level of intensity. In addition, relying on painkillers regularly will cause internal damage over time. If you are struggling with chronic hip pain, ensure that you consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. 

Hip Anatomy

The hip joint is a very complicated and major weight-bearing joint in the entire system of bones and joints. Its various parts are as follows.

●      The Socket

●      The Ball

●      The Labrum

●      Articular Cartilage

●      Tendons

●      Ligaments

●      Bursae

●      Synovial Membrane

●      Muscles

The hip is a socket-and-ball joint. Medically, the socket is called the acetabulum and the ball is the femoral head. The ball part glides under the socket and makes it possible for all human beings to walk and pursue life painlessly. 

Causes & Treatments

Various conditions can cause hip pain such as the following.

Fractures

The debilitating breaks in bones are called fractures. Trauma is the most responsible reason for the condition. Hip fractures are common in highly dangerous activities (adventure sports), accidents during sports or driving. In addition, osteoporosis can increase the risk significantly. There are commonly two types of hip fractures such as the femoral neck fracture and the intertrochanteric region fracture.

Treatment depends on the location and severity of the fracture sustained out of a traumatic event. However, generally, hip fractures are treated with surgery, physiotherapy and medicines.

As far as the surgical options are concerned, there are interventions such as internal repair using screws, total hip replacement surgery and partial hip replacement surgery, if the fracture doesn’t involve the socket part.   

Dislocation

As mentioned in the anatomy section, the joint is the conjunction of a socket and a ball. Thus, intense trauma directly to the hip, often disrupts the anatomical harmony and leads to a dislocated femoral head, away from its usual position over the socket.

The instance of a hip dislocation without severe tissue damage is treated with closed reduction. Without invasion, the femoral displacement is reduced and pushed all the way over the socket, managing the condition on the outside. The anaesthesia can be used to avoid physical pain and discomfort during the process.

However, if intense muscle and soft-tissue injuries are also involved, a reduction is performed surgically with invasion, handling the sensitive sites skillfully with precision and expertise to avoid permanent damage and dysfunctionality.     

A dislocation can also occur along with severe and complicated fractures, which might require hip replacement surgery to help the patient regain mobility and lead an active life once again.  

Bursitis

A bursa is the name of a tiny structure in the joint that is filled with fluid, mainly providing cushioning to the adjacent parts. Injury, overuse, infection or an autoimmune condition can cause bursitis, that is, the inflammation of this small bag-like structure. 

Tendonitis

Inflammation of a tendon is called tendonitis. A tendon connects a bone to a muscle. Overuse of the hip joint can often cause such conditions, which is why sportspersons are more at risk.

Sprains

A ligament joins one bone to another in a joint. These bands of connective tissue can get injured due to an injury. 

There are three categories of sprains, often called grades.

Grade 1: Mild stretching due to over-extension

Grade 2: Partial tearing

Grade 3: Complete tearing

Muscle Strains

Over-exercising—involving the hip muscles—than the current capacity or even walking a lot of extra steps can cause muscle strain. The discomfort spans from mild achy sensations to short-term hampered mobility.

Synovitis

The joint lining is called the synovium and it produces the synovial fluid, which is the lubricant that allows for smooth mobility. When this joint lining becomes inflamed, it is called synovitis. Autoimmune conditions often cause such problems. 

Arthritis

Arthritis is a major cause of hip disability among the senior population. There are many forms of arthritis. Major ones are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and pseudogout. Arthritis causes severe internal joint damage when not treated on time.

AVN or Osteonecrosis

In the hip joint, the lack of blood supply to the femoral head leads to the collapse of the structure and results in inflammation and reduced mobility.

Many people have to struggle with chronic knee pain. They require surgery for relief. It is a safe and successful procedure and doesn’t involve a very high total knee replacement surgery cost. Instead, the procedure is pocket-friendly.     

Conclusion

So, how long you should wait for hip pain to go away depends on the conditions or situation you are in. After hip replacement surgery, one might face mild discomfort initially but it gradually subsides with walking and rehabilitation care.

After an injury, how long the hip pain takes to go away depends on the severity of the damage. Furthermore, for every hip pain that doesn’t go away even with rest and painkillers, consult a hip specialist as soon as possible.

In case of total hip replacement in Delhi, consult with well experienced and skilled surgeon for preferred and right outcomes.