EmpowHER has heard from many people who experience hip pain at night. They wake up in the morning in pain, or are awakened during the night from pain and have difficulty getting back to sleep.
While each person will have a specific reason why they experience pain and should be properly diagnosed, in general we have found several conditions that can cause this discomfort.
Osteoarthritis
This condition causes cartilage in joints to disintegrate. Cartilage provides a kind of cushion between various bones, and when the cartilage weakens the bones can rub together causing great pain and inflammation.
The hips are commonly affected, along with other joints. Hip pain at night is common for many reasons. Osteoarthritis pain flares due to inactivity. It is often at its worst first thing in the morning. Lying on an affected hip all night can increase the pain.
Treatments for osteoarthritis include:
Over-the-counter pain medication
Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) and naproxen (e.g., Aleve)
Prescription Pain Relief Medication
Arthrotec — NSAID that may reduce the risk for gastrointestinal bleeding
Opiates and opiate-like medications
Viscosupplementation — injection of a substance called hyaluronan into the joint, which helps lubricate the joint
Pain relief creams — capsaicin , methyl salicylate and menthol
Dietary Supplements
There is some evidence that glucosamine and chondroitin may relieve pain and/or decrease osteoarthritis progression. Talk with your doctor before taking any herbs and supplements.
Alternative Treatments
Some doctors report that acupuncture has been successful in reducing the pain of osteoarthritis, although the evidence is not consistent.
While more studies are needed, balneotherapy (hot water therapy), relaxation therapy, exercise, yoga and tai chi may be helpful.'
Mechanical Aids
Shoes, splints or braces, canes, crutches walkers and orthopedic shoes also can help those with advanced osteoarthritis in the lower body.
Weight Reduction
Losing weight can lessen the stress on joints affected by osteoarthritis. Losing five pounds can eliminate at least 15 pounds of stressful impact for each step taken. The more weight lost, the greater the benefit.
Exercise and Physical Therapy
Swimming and water aerobics are good options because they don't put stress on the joint.
You can read a lot more information here: https://www.empowher.com/condition/osteoarthritis/treatments/
Bursitis
Bursitis is another condition that causes hip pain at night. Bursitis is caused the bursa (tissue that protects tendons) becomes inflamed, causing pain.
Bursitis is most commonly seen in the knees, elbows, shoulders and hips. Symptoms for hip bursitis include pain in the area, swelling and an inability to move the joint well.
Treatment includes:
Resting the affected area
Icing the painful area
Taking anti-inflammatory medications
Having a cortisone injection
Protecting the area from trauma
Treatment for chronic bursitis may include:
Stopping the activity causing pain
Taking anti-inflammatory medications
Protecting the bursa from trauma
Having physical therapy, including exercising and applying heat
Having a cortisone injection
Undergoing surgery
More can be explored here: https://www.empowher.com/condition/bursitis/treatments/
Sciatica
The symptoms of sciatica are generally shooting pains through the back, deep into pelvis and legs, affecting the hips along the way. The sciatic nerve is located in the spine and can often be exacerbated by inactivity, including being in bed for the night.
Symptoms include:
Burning, tingling, or a shooting pain down the back of one leg. Pain in one leg or buttock that is worse with:
Sitting
Standing up
Coughing
Sneezing
Straining
Weakness or numbness in a leg or foot
These symptoms affect the hips. A doctor will need to examine the hips, as well as the back and legs in order to form a diagnosis.
Treatment includes limited physical activity.
Prolonged bedrest is usually not advised. However, your doctor may recommend resting in bed for 1-2 days.
Too much bed rest can weaken muscles and slow healing. Doctors generally recommend staying active within the limits of your pain and avoiding activities that worsen back pain.
Medication
Medications used to treat sciatica include:
Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen , aspirin , or ibuprofen
Muscle relaxers for muscle spasm
Cortisone pills or injections where the sciatic nerve comes out of the spine
Antidepressants for chronic pain
Physical Therapy
These alternative therapies have not been proven by scientific studies to have an effect on sciatica. However, some people may find some pain relief from the following:
Biofeedback
Acupuncture
Surgery
Surgery may be done to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. This is performed in emergency situations or if conservative treatments fail. Common surgical procedures are microdiskectomy and lumbar laminectomy.
Talk to your doctor about the right treatment plan for you.
Read up on sciatica here: https://www.empowher.com/condition/sciatica/treatments/
EmpowHER also has a very lively and informative thread that discusses hip pain that worsens at night. To read the experiences and diagnoses or others or to post your own story, click here: https://www.empowher.com/community/ask/hip-pain-middle-night-dull-ache-w...
While the information above discusses various causes of hip pain at night, anyone with hip pain needs to see their own doctor for a full evaluation and diagnosis.
Reviewed February 15, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith