Which is better for hip pain: Tylenol or Advil? Or is there something better?
My name is Dr. David Geier – orthopedic surgeon, sports medicine specialist, and anti-aging and regenerative medicine expert. I help you feel, look and perform your best, regardless of age or injury.
When you’re in pain, the last thing you want to do is wait for it to go away. You might be tempted to reach for over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and Advil, but are these really the best option for your hip pain? This article will help you decide which medication is best for your situation.
Tylenol and Advil are both over-the-counter medications that work differently, but they are similar in that they can both reduce pain and inflammation.
Tylenol (acetaminophen) is an analgesic (pain reliever). There is a maximum dose based on your age and body weight, so pay attention to how much you’re taking.
Advil (ibuprofen) is an NSAID, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. It works by reducing chemicals in the body called prostaglandins which cause pain, swelling and fever when released during injury or illness; however this medication may not be suitable if you have certain medical conditions.
Both Tylenol and Advil can help you feel better in the short term, but these medications aren’t meant to be used for a long period of time. Tylenol can cause serious side effects, especially to your liver, if you take too much, while ibuprofen has been linked to kidney damage and stomach ulcers.
If you have any questions or concerns about your hip pain, talk with your doctor before taking any medication.
These medications can reduce pain, but they do little to treat the underlying injury or condition, like hip osteoarthritis, a labral tear and more.
If hip pain doesn’t get better with these medications in a few days or a week or two, it’s worth seeing an orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist who can evaluate your condition and make recommendations for treatment options that will alleviate your symptoms without causing further harm to your body over time.
Conclusion
For most people with hip pain, Tylenol and Advil are effective at reducing pain and inflammation. However, if you have chronic hip pain or an injury that hasn’t been properly diagnosed, these medications may not be the best option for treating your symptoms. Instead of relying on over-the-counter drugs alone, consider seeing a doctor who can help determine what type of treatment will work best for your condition.
We are looking for 5 patients with hip pain who want to get significantly better in the next 30 days, without cortisone shots, physical therapy, or surgery. Click this link and enter the term ‘Interested’ in the description box to learn more.
This post is meant for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
