Ways to relieve hip pain at home

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that connects the leg to the torso of the body. The head of the femur (thighbones) rotates within the acetabulum—the socket—that is made up of pelvic bones. Many causes of hip pain may result from the joint itself, while others could arise from the other structures surrounding the hip.

Image source: healthdirect.org

Experiencing daily hip pain caused by arthritis can be difficult. Physicians encourage their patients to do a few exercises to alleviate the pain. Welcome the day by doing the bridge exercise in the morning to get the muscles moving, activated, and busy. Begin by lying on the back with knees bent and the feet flat on the floor hip-width apart. Press down through the ankles and raise the buttocks off the mat while tightening the abdominal muscles.

If the pain is too much and it feels inflamed, try icing the area. For arthritis and bursitis, doing this can lower the inflammation, thus helping with the pain. Warmth may be helpful in treating pain caused by arthritis. A hot shower or bath can soothe the joint. Although, be careful not to do use this method when the pain is caused by bursitis.

Image source: everydayhealth.com

Working in water can help relieve pain. Swimming and water aerobics are great workouts for the hip joint. Such exercises strengthen muscles without placing as much stress and pressure on the joints. For arthritis relief, weight loss can also be helpful. This can offset the pressure on the joint and alleviate hip pain.

Dr. Ryan Shephard received his medical degree from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2010. For quick updates, follow this Twitter page.