Overview

Hip pain may be caused by many things, including overuse, a fall, or a twisting movement. Another cause of hip pain is arthritis. Your pain may increase when you stand up, walk, or squat. The pain may come and go or may be constant.

Home treatment can help relieve hip pain, swelling, and stiffness. If your pain is ongoing, you may need more tests and treatment.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• Rest and protect your hip. Take a break from any activity, including standing or walking, that may cause pain.
• Put ice or a cold pack against your hip for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
• Sleep on your healthy side with a pillow between your knees, or sleep on your back with pillows under your knees.
• If there is no swelling, you can put moist heat, a heating pad, or a warm cloth on your hip. Do gentle stretching exercises to help keep your hip flexible.
• Learn how to prevent falls. Have your vision and hearing checked regularly. Wear slippers or shoes with a non-skid sole.
• Stay at a healthy weight.
• Wear comfortable shoes.