Chronic Hip Pain in My 30s: What Are My Options?
Have you noticed a nagging ache in your hip that doesn’t seem to go away, no matter how much you rest it or which over-the-counter painkillers you try?
If you’re in your 30s and dealing with chronic hip pain, you might be wondering if this is something you just have to live with. Luckily, that’s not the case.
At his private practice in Houston, Texas, board-certified orthopaedic surgeon Kevin Park, MD, specializes in treating hip conditions. There are several effective options available to help you manage and ease your hip pain.
Take a moment to learn what you can do about chronic hip pain in your 30s and the options we offer that can provide you with lasting relief.
What’s causing my chronic hip pain?
In your 30s, you expect to maintain a high level of activity and mobility, which makes dealing with persistent hip discomfort particularly challenging. The causes of chronic hip pain at this age can vary widely, including:
- Overuse injuries (e.g., tendinitis or bursitis)
- Acute injuries during physical activity (e.g., labral tears)
- Underlying conditions (e.g., hip dysplasia or early-onset arthritis)
- Structural issues (e.g., hip impingement)
- Improper posture or biomechanics (i.e., the way you move your body)
Lifestyle and environmental factors can also play a role. For instance, a sedentary job or poor posture can contribute significantly to hip pain.
Identifying the root cause of your pain is crucial for effective treatment. That's why Dr. Park focuses on comprehensive diagnostic processes, making sure your treatment plan is as personalized and effective as possible.
What can I do to ease my hip pain?
Before considering more invasive options, there are several lifestyle adjustments that may significantly improve your hip pain, especially in your 30s, when your body is likely to improve more quickly.
Incorporating daily exercises that strengthen the muscles around your hips can provide better support and reduce stress on the joint. Likewise, maintaining a healthy weight can decrease the pressure on your hips, easing pain.
Simple changes like these can be surprisingly effective at managing pain and improving your quality of life.
What about over-the-counter therapies for hip pain?
For many, the first line of defense against hip pain includes over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These can reduce inflammation and help manage pain levels.
In addition, the use of topical creams and heat or cold therapy can also provide temporary relief.
But it’s important to consult with a health care professional like Dr. Park to make sure these treatments are suitable for your specific condition.
How can an orthopedic surgeon help?
Dr. Park specializes in a holistic approach to treating hip pain, focusing initially on nonsurgical methods.
Our team’s goal is to preserve the natural functionality of your hip for as long as possible by recommending conservative treatments, when applicable, that include:
- Steroid injections to quickly reduce inflammation and provide pain relief
- Physical therapy to improve mobility and strengthen hip-supporting muscles
- Activity modification to minimize hip strain for long-term health
When conservative treatments don’t bring the relief you need, hip preservation surgery might be the next step.
About hip preservation surgery
Hip preservation surgery repairs and maintains your natural hip joint, delaying or even preventing the need for a total hip replacement.
Conditions that may benefit from this type of surgery include:
- Labral tears, repairing cartilage to stabilize the joint and reduce pain
- Femoroacetabular impingement, correcting irregular structures to prevent further joint damage
- Loose bodies, removing fragments of bone and cartilage that cause pain and joint damage
Hip preservation surgery is a specialized field, and Dr. Park’s extensive experience in this area ensures you receive the best possible outcome. Our practice uses the latest techniques to enhance recovery and maximize the effectiveness of surgical interventions.
Are you tired of living with hip pain in your 30s? Schedule a consultation online or over the phone with Dr. Kwan at his Houston, Texas, office today.