WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

What do I need to know about a swollen hip joint? 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.

How is swollen hip joint diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and any medical conditions you have. Tell your healthcare provider if there are any activities or movements that worsen your symptoms. He will also ask if you have had any recent injuries. He will examine your hip and check how well your legs move in different directions. He may do blood tests or x-rays to find the cause of the swelling. He may also remove fluid from your hip joint and send it to a lab for tests.

How is a swollen hip joint treated? 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Physical therapy may be recommended. A physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain.

When should I seek immediate care?

• You cannot move your leg.
  
  
• You have severe pain that does not get better with medicine.

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

• 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.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.