Hip fractures can be so painful that patients literally cry out for hip pain relief. When diagnosing pain syndromes, however, doctors must first rule out medical conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, sciatica, tendonitis, and osteonecrosis of the hip.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), fewer than half of those who suffer hip fractures ever return to their previous level of activity. During recovery, patients seeking hip pain relief may overlook potentially life-threating complications that can lead to blood clots and pneumonia.
In cases where hip surgery isn’t necessary, patients can recover from hip fractures while using alternative methods of hip pain relief. Examples include anti-inflammatory drugs or topical creams, adjustments to sleeping habits, and prescription drugs or over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
