Nonsurgical Hip Treatments

There are many nonsurgical treatment options that are designed to alleviate pain related to arthritis or other causes of damage to the hip joint. These treatments will not “fix” the problem. However, if these treatments offer enough improvement to produce a satisfactory quality of life, they can be continued as long as they remain effective.

Medicine & Injections

Cautious use of anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and ultrasound-guided injections into the joint may provide varying degrees of temporary relief. It is important to be aware that long-term exposure to medicines or injections can result in side effects or damage to the hip or other parts of the body. 

Exercise

Any type of exercise, including supervised physical therapy, that improves overall conditioning and muscular strength is encouraged and beneficial. Although each situation is unique, there is typically no significant risk of causing any damage to the joint itself. Exercises like swimming and stationary cycling that do not require weight-bearing through the joint will often cause less discomfort. Regardless, any method of exercise that is tolerable is a good thing.

Unfortunately, the symptoms of joint damage typically worsen over time. Often nonoperative treatments become less effective. If the symptoms progress to the point that one's quality of life is not satisfactory, hip replacement surgery will dramatically improve one’s pain, function, and ability to return to almost all desired activities.