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Hip pain
Home Care
Try to avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
Take over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Sleep on your non-painful side with a pillow between your legs.
A hip fracture is considered a medical emergency. Therefore, if suspected, you should be seen right away.
As the pain improves, gradually begin to exercise. It is best to work with a physical therapist to learn proper exercises and how to advance your activity. Swimming may be a good option because it stretches the muscles and builds good muscle tone without straining your hip joint. However, swimming does not build bone mass. When you are ready (a physical therapist can help determine that), slowly and carefully resume walking or another activity against the resistance of gravity.
Call your doctor if:
Your hip pain is caused by a fall or other injury.
Your hip is misshapen, badly bruised, or bleeding.
You are unable to move your hip or bear any weight.
Your hip is still painful after 1 week of home treatment.
You also have a fever or rash.
You have sudden hip pain, plus sickle cell anemia or long-term steroid use.
You have pain in both hips or other joints.