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Medical Author:

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Dr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Discomfort often may be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen all may be used. Even though these drugs do not require a prescription, each has its own potential for side effects if underlying medical conditions are present. It is worthwhile asking for help from a pharmacist or advising your health-care practitioner that you are taking a new nonprescription medication. For example, acetaminophen (Tylenol) should be avoided in people with liver disease, while nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen should be taken with care by people taking blood thinners or who have peptic ulcer disease.

Prescription medication use will depend upon the reason for the hip pain. Most often, the medications are directed at treatment of the underlying illness or injury causing the pain. Depending upon the situation, short courses of narcotic or nonnarcotic pain medications with or without muscle relaxants may be used until the underlying condition is resolved.

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