Hip Pain

Hip pain is often associated with runners and athletes, but it affects everyday people, too. In fact, studies show that nearly 14.3% of adults 60 and older experience hip pain most days. At Serenity Osteopathic, LLC, in Satellite Beach, Florida, board-certified osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal doctor Tiffany Noblitt, DO, specializes in treating hip pain effectively. To make an appointment today, call the office or click the online booking feature.

What is hip pain?

Hip pain refers to any aching, stiffness, or general discomfort that you feel in or around one or both hips. It’s commonly caused by standing for long periods or increasing your activity level, but it can also point to underlying medical conditions, such as arthritis and inflammation. 

Most cases of hip pain improve with rest and over-the-counter pain medication, but if your symptoms persist for more than a few days or keep you from your routine, it’s important to identify the cause. 

What causes hip pain?

Hip pain occurs for various reasons, including:

• Arthritis
• Bursitis (swelling that occurs in fluid-filled sacs called bursae)
• Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)
• Sports injuries (i.e., strained hip muscles or labral tears)
• Fractures

In some cases, a structural abnormality is responsible. Common abnormalities affecting the hips include developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and hip impingement.

How is hip pain diagnosed?

To diagnose hip pain, Dr. Noblitt reviews your health history and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, what it feels like, and if certain activities, like walking the dog or climbing stairs, worsen it.

Next, Dr. Noblitt examines your hip, assessing its strength and range of motion. She may also ask you to walk around the office to observe your posture and gait (walking pattern). 

If these steps don’t provide enough information, she orders diagnostic imaging, such as an X-ray, to evaluate or identify underlying conditions, like fractures and osteoarthritis.

How is hip pain treated?

Dr. Noblitt treats hip pain using a combination of holistic techniques, regenerative medicine, and traditional Western medicine. She may suggest:

• Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication
• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Physical therapy
• Dry needling
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
• Hands-on treatments, such as osteopathic manual therapy (OMT) or massage

Most cases of hip pain respond to a combination of these treatments. However, if your pain persists or worsens, you may be a candidate for surgery. If that’s the case, Dr. Noblitt refers you to an orthopedic specialist and helps coordinate your care.

The goal is to address the underlying cause of your hip pain so your body can heal and you can return to your normal routine. 

If you’re struggling with hip pain, make an appointment at Serenity Osteopathic, LLC, today. Call the office or click the online booking feature.