I have always been one of those people who is committed to their overall health, but a few years ago, I realized that there had to be something I could do to make things right. I was experiencing some serious back pain, and I didn't know how to improve. Fortunately, I started working hard to correct the issue, and I could see a significant difference right away. I was able to move more normally and eliminate back pain, and it was great to see how much the changes helped. Check out this website to find out how the right medical specialist could help you.
OTC Treatment Options for Hip Pain
Hip pain can be caused by arthritic conditions, injuries, a herniated disc, and sciatic nerve compression. Before your orthopedic services professional can recommend an appropriate treatment plan, the cause of your pain needs to be uncovered. In the meantime, your orthopedic specialist may recommend the following conservative over-the-counter, or OTC treatment options to help manage your pain.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Hip pain is often accompanied by inflammation. Because of this, your orthopedic physician may recommend that you take OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs to relieve both pain and inflammation. These drugs include ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. While aspirin can effectively relieve pain and joint inflammation, it can heighten your risk for abnormal bleeding and may not be recommended if you take prescription anticoagulant medications. If your hip pain is caused by rheumatoid arthritis as opposed to osteoarthritis, you may also experience fevers in addition to your pain and inflammation. NSAIDs are also excellent fever reducers so that an elevated body temperature caused by rheumatoid arthritis can also be effectively managed. While NSAIDs are typically well-tolerated, tell your orthopedic doctor is you develop swelling in your hands or ankles. In some people, NSAIDs can negatively affect kidney function, which may lead to fluid retention and subsequent swelling.
Acetaminophen
Another effective over-the-counter treatment option for hip pain is acetaminophen. This medication is a common alternative for those who are sensitive to the effects of NSAIDs. While acetaminophen treats hip pain and fever associated with rheumatoid conditions, it does little to decrease joint inflammation. If you have high blood pressure, peptic ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder, your orthopedic specialist may recommend that you take acetaminophen instead of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Acetaminophen may also be gentler on your stomach than NSAIDs, however, it may not be appropriate for people who consume alcohol on a regular basis or for those who have pre-existing liver diseases such as cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, or chronic hepatitis. If acetaminophen fails to treat your hip pain, and if you are unable to tolerate the side effects of NSAIDs, your physician may recommend that you take prescription pain medication on a short-term basis.
It is important to note, that while NSAIDs and acetaminophen are both effective in treating mild to moderate hip pain, treating the underlying cause of your pain via physical therapy or surgical intervention may completely alleviate your need for pain medication. To learn more about over-the-counter treatment options for hip pain, talk to your orthopedic specialist. After a comprehensive evaluation, your doctor will recommend an appropriate treatment plan for your individual situation.