Swollen Hip Joint
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
A swollen hip joint may be caused by conditions such as arthritis or gout, or by an injury. You may have other symptoms such as pain, stiffness, or trouble moving your hip.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- You cannot move your leg.
- You have severe pain that does not get better with medicine.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have a fever.
- You have redness or warmth over your hip.
- The swelling does not decrease with treatment.
- You develop new symptoms.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
Treatment depends on the cause of your swollen hip joint. Your healthcare provider may recommend any of the following:
- Rest your hip. Avoid activities that make the swelling or pain worse. You may need to avoid putting weight on your hip while you have pain. Crutches or a walker can be used to avoid putting weight on your hip.
- Apply ice on your hip for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
- Apply heat on your hip for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours for as many days as directed. Heat helps decrease pain.
Physical therapy:
A physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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