Your hips handle a lot of stress when you sit and move, so if something starts to go wrong with your hips, you’ll notice it pretty quick. Hip pain is somewhat common, but that doesn’t mean you can always just ignore it or head to a general practitioner for some basic advice. Sometimes there is more than meets the eye with your hip issue, and connecting with an orthopedic specialist who specializes in hip conditions is best.
But what signs suggest an expert consultation is warranted? In today’s blog, we look at some of the subtle signs that suggest your hip would be best cared for by a hip specialist.
When To See A Hip Specialist
If one or more of the following statements ring true, consider picking up the phone and connecting with a hip specialist in your area. Dr. Botero has helped countless patients overcome their hip issues, and he is confident he can do the same for you if you’re dealing with any of these realities:
- Pain That Doesn’t Go Away – If you’re dealing with chronic or persistent hip pain, it’s time to connect with a specialist. Mild discomfort that fades with activity may just be a sign of a tight muscle or a nerve that was irritated by your sleeping or sitting position, but if discomfort is becoming a daily occurrence, it’s time to talk with a hip specialist.
- Pain That Isn’t Responding To Care – For most people, their first treatments for initial hip discomfort include conservative efforts like rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatories and related advice that they find online or from a general practitioner. If your symptoms aren’t responding despite full effort, or your symptoms actually seem to be getting worse despite proactive treatment, it’s time to call in a hip specialist.
- You Want An Official Diagnosis – If you want to figure out exactly what you’re dealing with and get set up with an individualized treatment program, your best bet is to sync up with a hip specialist. They’ll have the experience and the unique diagnostic tools to confirm exactly what’s going on in your hip. Online advice and a quick physical examination by your family doctor can provide some theories, but for a pinpoint diagnosis, connect with a hip specialist.
- Daily Activities Are Becoming Challenging – If simple activities have become more challenging or painful, don’t wait any longer to contact a hip specialist. If it’s become more challenging to traverse stairs or get in and out of a vehicle, you’ll want to work with a hip professional. Ideally you’re going to be performing these daily movements for years to come, so the sooner you work to make these movements safer and more comfortable, the easier it will be to navigate daily life.
- Symptoms After Surgery – If you’ve already had a procedure performed on your hip or lower spine and you’re dealing with new or worsening hip symptoms, reach out to a hip specialist. Surgery may not have been intended to fully relieve all symptoms, but if discomfort seems abnormal or unexpected given the expectations that were discussed prior to your procedure, you’ll want to make an appointment with a specialist.
- You Want To Be Physically Active Again – Finally, if you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior or someone who simply wants to enjoy physical activities like golf or pickleball in retirement, and hip discomfort is making these activities challenging or impossible, reclaim your life by working with a hip specialist.
Don’t sit on the sidelines or go through every day wondering if hip pain is going to cause problems for you. Work to reduce or eliminate symptoms by reaching out to a hip specialist in your area and getting set up with an individualized treatment program. For assistance in the greater Knoxville area, reach out to Dr. Botero and his team today.
