Suppose your hip pain is making your daily life a misery. Your requirement will be to get rid of it once and for all. There is a separate specialist for treating particular medical conditions. Therefore, you might wonder, “What doctor do I see for hip pain?” Let’s discuss.
Signs That You Need to See a Doctor for Hip Pain
Most hip pains are temporary and go away on their own. However, some can be stubborn. Whatever your pain is like. The following signs indicate when to seek help:
Hip Pain Is Limiting Your Daily Life
Think about your favorite daily activities like walking the dog, taking the kids to the playground, playing sports. If these activities have become difficult or even impossible, it’s a clear sign you need to see a hip doctor.
Other Body Parts Are Hurting
Suppose other joints are starting to hurt because they are overcompensating for your weakened hip. Therefore, it’s time to schedule an appointment. Knee pain, leg pain, and back pain can all result from untreated hip issues.
You’re Feeling Unhappy
If your hip pain is affecting your mood, it’s important to see a hip specialist right away. Physical and mental health are connected. So, ignoring hip pain can make your mental health worse.
You’re Having Trouble Sleeping or Getting Out of Bed
If hip pain is making it hard to sleep or get out of bed, you should address it before it impacts other parts of your life.
Other Treatments Aren’t Helping
If you’ve tried exercises or other treatments you found online, but they aren’t working, you might have a condition that needs more focused care.
What Doctor to See for Lower Back and Hip Pain?
Upon experiencing hip pain, your primary care physician is a good first step. They can evaluate your pain, suggest initial treatments, and refer you to a specialist. Your other options include:
• Orthopedic Surgeons: They specialize in surgical treatment for severe cases of hip pain that don’t respond to other treatments. Surgery is usually a last resort.
• Physical Therapists: These professionals help with exercises and stretches to improve movement, strength, and flexibility, as well as manage pain.
• Pain Management Specialists: They use advanced methods like injections and nerve blocks to treat chronic pain.
• Rheumatologists: Treat inflammatory conditions, like arthritis, that can cause back and hip pain.
• Chiropractors: Focus on the spine and use manual adjustments, though their effectiveness for back and hip pain isn’t well-established.
According to Mufaddal Gombera, MD. “All these professionals can be extremely helpful in treating hip pain. However, it is best if you see an orthopedic doctor. Orthopedic doctors specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing injuries and conditions that affect your musculoskeletal system. This includes your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.”
What Is the Best Doctor to See for Hip Pain?
Most orthopedic surgeons focus on specific areas, so you should see one who specializes in hips. A sports medicine specialist, who is often an orthopedic surgeon, treats sports injuries and helps improve athletic performance.
What Will an Orthopedic Doctor Do for Hip Pain?
An orthopedic doctor, or orthopedist, specializes in diagnosing and treating issues with the musculoskeletal system, including the hips. Following is what they might do to address hip pain:
Evaluation and Diagnosis
• They will ask about your hip pain’s nature, location, and how long you’ve had it.
• Check your hip’s range of motion, strength, and stability.
• Use X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to find the cause of your pain.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
If the pain isn’t severe, the doctor might suggest:
• Anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relievers.
• Corticosteroids or other injections into the hip to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and movement.
• Weight loss or changes in activity to reduce stress on the hip.
Surgical Treatment
If non-surgical treatments don’t work or if you have a serious condition, the doctor might recommend surgery, such as:
• Arthroscopic Surgery: Repair labral tears or remove bone spurs.
• Hip Replacement: Replace the damaged hip joint with an artificial one.
• Hip Resurfacing: A less invasive option than total hip replacement.
Doctor Gombera says, “After the surgery, your orthopedic surgeon must create a rehab plan. This contains physical therapy to help you regain strength and function in your hip. The goal of every hip surgery is to restore your hip’s functionality, just like it was before the pain started. So, stick to your surgeon’s advice for a quick and better recovery.”
What to Look for in a Doctor That Treats Hip Pain?
Before searching for a doctor, it’s also helpful to learn about common causes of hip pain and treatment options. The more you know, the better prepared you will be for the treatment. When choosing a doctor for hip pain, the following are three key things to consider:
• Board Certification: Make sure the doctor is a board-certified physician. This means they’ve completed formal training in musculoskeletal issues and passed their board certification exam.
• Insurance Coverage: Check with your insurance company to find doctors covered under your plan. If you’re paying out of pocket, you can skip this step.
• Specialization: Look for a doctor who specializes in treating hips. An experienced orthopedic doctor who focuses on diagnosing and preventing hip injuries is essential.
Wrapping Up
“Delaying your hip pain treatment means allowing other problems to grow in your musculoskeletal system. This can complicate things for you and your healthcare provider.” Says Dr. Gombera. Therefore, knowing “What doctor do I see for hip pain?” can help you get the right treatment from the right medical professional.
