Which drug is best for hip pain? An in-depth guide to your options

October 10, 2025 •

5 min read

Hip pain affects millions of people, but there is no single best medication for everyone. The right treatment depends heavily on the underlying cause, severity, and an individual's unique health profile, making the question 'Which drug is best for hip pain?' complex.

Quick Summary

The best medication for hip pain is determined by its cause and severity, with options ranging from over-the-counter anti-inflammatories to targeted injections and prescription drugs.

Key Points

Start with Conservative Options: For mild to moderate hip pain, begin with over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce inflammation and pain, or acetaminophen for pain relief without anti-inflammatory effects.
Consider Topical Relief for Localized Pain: Topical NSAID gels containing diclofenac (Voltaren) can provide localized relief with fewer systemic side effects, though they are less effective for the deeply set hip joint.
Escalate to Prescription Medications with Guidance: If conservative options fail, a doctor may prescribe stronger oral NSAIDs, the antidepressant duloxetine for chronic pain, or, as a last resort for severe pain, opioids like tramadol.
Utilize Injections for Targeted, Temporary Relief: Corticosteroid injections, delivered with imaging guidance, can offer potent but temporary anti-inflammatory effects for severe pain or flare-ups.
Treat the Underlying Cause for Inflammatory Conditions: For pain caused by inflammatory arthritis like RA, disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs) and biologics are used to address the systemic cause, not just the symptoms.
Support Medication with Non-Drug Therapies: Combine medication with physical therapy, weight management, and assistive devices for a comprehensive approach to managing hip pain.

Understanding the Complexities of Hip Pain Medication

Determining which drug is best for hip pain is not a one-size-fits-all answer. The optimal choice depends on several factors, including the source of the pain (e.g., osteoarthritis, bursitis, or an inflammatory condition), the severity of symptoms, and individual health concerns such as liver or kidney function and existing medical conditions. A treatment approach often involves a combination of medication and non-pharmacological therapies, following a step-by-step process that starts with more conservative options.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications for Mild to Moderate Pain

For many individuals with mild to moderate hip pain, over-the-counter medications are the first line of defense. These can be broadly categorized into two main types:

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) work by reducing both pain and inflammation. This makes them particularly effective for conditions driven by inflammation, such as arthritis and bursitis. However, prolonged or high-dose use can carry risks, including stomach upset, gastrointestinal bleeding, and issues affecting the heart and kidneys.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol): This analgesic focuses solely on pain relief and does not have significant anti-inflammatory effects. It is often recommended as a safer option for those who cannot tolerate NSAIDs, though high doses or long-term use can still pose a risk to liver health.

Topical Treatments for Targeted Relief

Topical pain relievers are applied directly to the skin over the affected area to provide localized relief with fewer systemic side effects than oral medication.

Topical NSAID Gels: Gels containing diclofenac (Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel) are now available over-the-counter and deliver the medication directly to the joint. Studies show they can be effective for joint pain near the skin's surface, like in the hand or knee, though their efficacy for the deep hip joint is more limited due to its location.
Counterirritants: Creams and patches with ingredients like menthol or capsaicin (Icy Hot, Bengay) create a warming or cooling sensation that distracts from the pain. They are best for temporary relief of muscle aches and less effective for deep-seated joint pain.

Prescription-Strength Oral Medications

When OTC options are not sufficient, a doctor may prescribe stronger oral medications:

Prescription-Strength NSAIDs: If OTC NSAIDs don't provide adequate relief, a physician might prescribe a more potent version of ibuprofen, naproxen, or a COX-2 inhibitor like celecoxib (Celebrex), which may have fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta): Originally an antidepressant, this medication is also approved to treat chronic pain, including osteoarthritis. It is a good option for those seeking an alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs.
Tramadol: This atypical opioid analgesic is sometimes used for moderate to severe hip pain when other treatments have failed. It carries a lower risk of dependence than typical opioids but should still be used with caution.
Other Opioids: For severe, short-term pain following surgery or injury, powerful opioid medications may be prescribed. However, due to significant risks of dependence and addiction, long-term use is typically not recommended for chronic hip osteoarthritis pain.

Injections for Direct Joint Relief

For pain that is severe or unresponsive to oral medications, injections may be recommended. These are typically administered with imaging guidance (X-ray or ultrasound) to ensure precise placement.

Corticosteroid Injections: These potent anti-inflammatory shots can provide significant, temporary pain relief, especially during flare-ups of conditions like osteoarthritis or bursitis. Relief can last for weeks to months, but repeated injections are limited due to risks like joint damage.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: Using a patient's own blood platelets, PRP injections aim to stimulate healing. This is considered an alternative or experimental option, with some data suggesting benefits for osteoarthritis, but evidence varies.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections: While more common for knee arthritis, HA injections act as a lubricant for the joint. Research on their effectiveness for the hip joint is mixed and limited.

Comparison of Common Hip Pain Medications


Medication Type	Best For	Administration	Relief Duration	Key Risk Factors
OTC NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)	Mild to moderate pain from inflammation (arthritis, bursitis).	Oral tablet.	Varies, typically hours.	GI upset, bleeding, kidney problems, cardiovascular risk.
Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol)	Mild to moderate pain, especially for those who can't take NSAIDs.	Oral tablet.	Varies, typically hours.	Liver damage with high or prolonged dose.
Topical NSAIDs (e.g., diclofenac gel)	Mild joint pain close to the skin's surface.	Topical application.	Hours; works best with consistent use.	Skin irritation, fewer systemic risks than oral NSAIDs.
Prescription NSAIDs (e.g., celecoxib)	Moderate arthritis pain unresponsive to OTC options.	Oral tablet.	Longer-acting.	GI and cardiovascular risk, though some types are safer for the stomach.
Corticosteroid Injections	Severe pain or inflammatory flare-ups.	Direct joint injection (image-guided).	Weeks to months; temporary.	Infection, temporary glucose spike, risk of joint damage with repeat injections.
Duloxetine (e.g., Cymbalta)	Chronic osteoarthritis pain, alternative to NSAIDs.	Oral tablet.	Continuous with daily use.	Side effects like nausea, dry mouth; antidepressant effects.
Tramadol	Moderate-to-severe pain unresponsive to other options.	Oral tablet.	Hours; controlled substance.	Addiction, dizziness, nausea.

Combining Medications with Non-Pharmacological Treatments

Medical guidelines emphasize a multimodal approach to managing hip pain, which integrates medication with other therapies. Effective non-drug interventions include:

Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the hip and improve flexibility and range of motion.
Weight Management: Reducing excess body weight significantly decreases the stress on the hip joint.
Assistive Devices: Using a cane or walker can offload pressure from the affected hip during walking.
Hot and Cold Packs: Applying ice can reduce acute inflammation, while heat can relax stiff muscles.

Conclusion: The Importance of a Personalized Treatment Plan

There is no single definitive answer to which drug is best for hip pain. Instead, the most effective medication is the one that best addresses the specific cause and severity of your condition while minimizing side effects. While over-the-counter NSAIDs are a common starting point, more severe or inflammatory cases may require prescription medications, targeted injections, or even specialized drugs like DMARDs. Ultimately, the best course of action is to consult with a healthcare provider who can accurately diagnose the source of your pain and help you develop a personalized treatment plan that combines medication with other effective strategies. Explore hip pain medication options from the Arthritis Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best initial medication is often an over-the-counter NSAID like ibuprofen or naproxen, which can help reduce both pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen is an alternative for those with conditions preventing NSAID use.

While Voltaren gel (diclofenac) can be effective for joint pain close to the skin's surface, it is generally less effective for treating deep hip joint pain due to the amount of soft tissue covering the joint.

The duration of pain relief from a corticosteroid injection varies significantly among individuals, lasting anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Prolonged or high-dose use of oral NSAIDs can increase the risk of gastrointestinal issues like ulcers and bleeding, as well as cardiovascular problems and kidney damage.

Tramadol is an atypical opioid prescribed for moderate to severe pain, but it carries a risk of addiction and dependence. It is typically used only when other treatments are ineffective and should be taken with caution.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are an alternative therapy used to promote healing. Some studies suggest a benefit for osteoarthritis, but evidence is varied, and it is considered a more experimental treatment.

You should consider prescription medication when over-the-counter options no longer provide sufficient relief, or if your pain is severe or chronic.