What painkillers are good for hip pain? An overview

October 9, 2025 •

5 min read

Did you know that hip osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide? Understanding what painkillers are good for hip pain is crucial for managing discomfort and improving quality of life, but it's important to know the different options available and their potential side effects.

Quick Summary

Managing hip pain involves selecting appropriate pain-relieving options, including over-the-counter choices, prescription medications, targeted injections, and topical applications. A healthcare provider can help navigate these options based on the cause of pain, balancing benefits and risks for effective relief.

Key Points

Start with OTC: For mild to moderate hip pain, begin with over-the-counter NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), but monitor for side effects.
Consider Topical Relief: Topical NSAIDs like diclofenac gel can be effective for localized pain with fewer systemic side effects than oral medications.
Use Prescriptions Wisely: Stronger prescription NSAIDs or opioids are for more severe pain; opioids are generally reserved for short-term use due to addiction risk.
Explore Injections: Corticosteroid injections can provide powerful, targeted, but temporary, relief for localized inflammation.
Holistic Treatment is Key: Medication is most effective as part of a broader plan including physical therapy, weight management, and activity modification.
Consult a Doctor: Always speak with a healthcare provider to ensure a proper diagnosis and select the safest and most effective pain management strategy for your condition.

Navigating the options for hip pain relief can be a complex journey, as the best approach often depends on the underlying cause, severity, and your overall health. Painkillers, from readily available over-the-counter options to stronger prescription medications and targeted injections, play a key role in management. This guide explores the various pharmacological solutions for hip pain, outlining their uses, benefits, and important safety considerations.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Pain Relief

For mild to moderate hip pain, many people find relief with OTC medications. These are typically the first line of defense for a new or flaring condition.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are a common choice because they not only relieve pain but also reduce inflammation, a key contributor to many types of hip pain, such as bursitis or arthritis.

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Works relatively quickly to reduce both pain and swelling. Generally used for short-term relief.
Naproxen (Aleve): Offers longer-lasting relief than ibuprofen, making it suitable for managing pain over longer periods.
Topical NSAIDs (Diclofenac Gel, e.g., Voltaren): Applied directly to the skin over the affected area. This approach reduces systemic exposure, minimizing the risk of internal side effects common with oral NSAIDs, such as stomach upset. It is particularly effective for joints closer to the skin's surface.

Important Considerations: While effective, oral NSAIDs should be used cautiously. Long-term or high-dose use increases the risk of stomach irritation, ulcers, kidney problems, and potential cardiovascular issues, including heart attack and stroke. Always follow dosage instructions and consult a doctor if you have pre-existing health conditions or need long-term use.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Acetaminophen is an analgesic that provides pain relief but does not have significant anti-inflammatory effects like NSAIDs.

Pros: Generally considered safer on the stomach than NSAIDs, making it a good alternative for people with gastrointestinal issues. It is also often used for mild to moderate pain.
Cons: Studies have shown it offers only marginal, or not clinically significant, improvement for hip and knee osteoarthritis pain compared to a placebo. Exceeding the maximum daily dose can cause severe liver damage, especially when combined with alcohol.

Prescription Medications for Severe or Chronic Hip Pain

If OTC options are not sufficient, a doctor may prescribe stronger medication.

Prescription NSAIDs and COX-2 Inhibitors

Stronger doses of NSAIDs are available by prescription. For some patients, a COX-2 inhibitor like celecoxib (Celebrex) may be prescribed.

Celecoxib (Celebrex): A type of NSAID that specifically targets the COX-2 enzyme, aiming to reduce inflammation and pain with a lower risk of stomach bleeding compared to traditional NSAIDs. However, it still carries cardiovascular risks and is not suitable for everyone.

Opioid Pain Relievers

Opioids like tramadol are potent pain relievers used for moderate to severe pain, typically on a short-term basis, such as after surgery.

Important Safety Note: Opioids carry a significant risk of side effects, including nausea, constipation, drowsiness, dependence, and addiction. They are not recommended for long-term use in managing chronic hip pain.

Other Options

Some chronic pain conditions, including hip pain from osteoarthritis, may respond to other medications.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta): An antidepressant that is FDA-approved for chronic musculoskeletal pain. It may be used as a second-line treatment, especially for people with a partial response to other therapies.

Injections for Targeted Relief

For persistent, localized hip pain, injections can deliver medication directly to the source of the problem.

Corticosteroid Injections

This procedure involves injecting a powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the hip joint or bursa (a fluid-filled sac). Cortisone can provide significant pain relief and reduce inflammation for several months. However, repeat injections are often limited to a few per year to prevent joint damage.

Viscosupplementation

Injections of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in joint fluid, can help lubricate the joint. While more commonly used for knee osteoarthritis, it may be an option for some hip conditions, though coverage and efficacy vary.

Comparison Table of Hip Pain Medication


Medication Type	Example (Brand Name)	Mechanism	Pros	Cons	Who It's For
OTC NSAIDs	Ibuprofen (Advil), Naproxen (Aleve)	Reduces pain and inflammation by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes.	Readily available; effective for inflammatory pain.	Potential for stomach irritation, kidney issues, and cardiovascular risk, especially with long-term use.	Mild to moderate hip pain, short-term use.
Topical NSAIDs	Diclofenac gel (Voltaren)	Reduces pain and inflammation at the application site.	Fewer systemic side effects; targeted relief.	May not reach deeper structures; variable effectiveness.	Pain localized to joints near the skin; those avoiding oral NSAIDs.
Acetaminophen	Tylenol	Blocks pain signals.	Fewer gastrointestinal side effects than NSAIDs; generally safe in moderate doses.	Not anti-inflammatory; potential for liver damage at high doses.	Mild pain, or those who cannot tolerate NSAIDs.
Prescription NSAIDs/COX-2 Inhibitors	Celecoxib (Celebrex)	Blocks COX-2 enzymes to reduce inflammation.	Stronger effect than OTC versions; less GI risk than traditional NSAIDs.	Potential cardiovascular risk; not for all patients.	Chronic or more severe pain; those needing NSAIDs but with GI sensitivity.
Opioids	Tramadol (Ultram)	Binds to opioid receptors in the brain to reduce pain perception.	Highly effective for severe pain.	High risk of addiction, dependence, and significant side effects (drowsiness, constipation).	Severe, short-term pain (e.g., post-surgery); last resort for chronic pain.
Corticosteroid Injections	Cortisone	Delivers powerful anti-inflammatory agents locally.	Fast-acting, localized pain and inflammation relief.	Temporary effect; repeated injections can damage joint.	Bursitis, joint inflammation, when other methods fail.

Beyond Medication: Holistic Strategies

For long-term and effective management, painkillers should be part of a broader strategy that addresses the root cause of the pain.

Rest and Activity Modification: Resting the joint and avoiding activities that aggravate the hip is crucial, especially during a flare-up. Incorporating low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling can help maintain mobility without excessive stress.
Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can provide targeted stretches and exercises to strengthen muscles supporting the hip, improve flexibility, and enhance joint function.
Weight Management: Carrying excess weight puts significant stress on the hip joint. Losing even a small amount of weight can dramatically reduce this pressure and lessen pain.
Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying ice can help reduce acute inflammation and swelling, while heat can relax muscles and improve circulation.
Alternative Therapies: Some individuals find relief through alternative treatments like acupuncture or massage therapy, which can help with muscle tension and pain perception.

Conclusion

Choosing the right painkiller for hip pain involves carefully weighing the potential benefits against the risks, in consultation with a healthcare professional. Over-the-counter NSAIDs or acetaminophen are common starting points for mild to moderate pain. For more severe or chronic conditions, prescription medications or targeted injections may be necessary. Crucially, medication is often most effective when integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle adjustments, exercise, and other therapies. Before starting any new medication, always discuss your health history and symptoms with your doctor to determine the safest and most effective option for your specific situation. For comprehensive resources on joint health, the Arthritis Foundation is a valuable source of information.

Frequently Asked Questions

For hip pain caused by inflammation, such as bursitis or arthritis, ibuprofen is generally more effective because it reduces both pain and swelling. Acetaminophen primarily relieves pain and lacks anti-inflammatory properties.

Yes, topical pain relievers like diclofenac gel or creams with capsaicin or menthol can provide localized relief for hip pain, especially if the source of pain is close to the skin's surface. They are a good option for those who want to minimize oral medication use.

Long-term use of oral NSAIDs can increase the risk of serious side effects, including stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, high blood pressure, kidney problems, and potential cardiovascular events. It is crucial to consult your doctor for safe long-term management.

Prescription opioids are typically used for severe, short-term pain, such as following hip surgery. Due to risks of dependence and addiction, they are not recommended for long-term chronic pain management.

Corticosteroid injections deliver a powerful anti-inflammatory steroid directly into the hip joint or bursa. This provides potent, localized pain relief and reduces swelling for several weeks or months.

For many conditions like osteoarthritis, regular, low-impact exercise (such as swimming, walking, or cycling) is highly beneficial. It strengthens supporting muscles and improves flexibility. However, it's vital to avoid high-impact activities that aggravate pain and to work with a physical therapist to find the right routine.

Multimodal pain management involves using multiple types of treatments to control pain effectively while minimizing side effects. It often combines medication (like NSAIDs and acetaminophen) with non-drug therapies such as physical therapy, weight management, and injections.