Painkillers and other Over-The-Counter Medications
In some cases, the first step to treating hip pain is through painkillers (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants. They treat acute pain, which is limited to a short period and can be pretty intense. Patients with chronic pain may need to explore other options with their doctor to avoid the long-term consequences of using painkillers.
NSAIDs include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen. They all provide the same essential benefits and work by blocking inflammation, which triggers pain signals in the brain. Your doctor may also use corticosteroids which are also used to treat inflammation and swelling. They help to reduce pain by controlling inflammation and are reserved for severe inflammation, as in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.