Soak

• A warm bath often helps relieve pain caused by aches and pains in the joint, and the hip joint is no different. Don't make the water too hot, but lukewarm. Warm compresses or a heating pad may be used for localized pain, but use caution that pads don't get too hot so burns are avoided. Take care not to fall asleep with heating pads against the skin and unplug warming devices prior to sleep. Keeping the affected area warm with added clothing, pads or blankets often helps relieve pain in cold weather.
  
  

Exercise

• It may seem contradictory to exercise when you're hurting, but gentle exercise such as yoga, Pilates and tai chi often help to relieve pain in the hip joints of seniors. Maintaining muscle strength and relieving stiffness are just a couple of the benefits of exercise. Stretching also helps relieve compression and increases range of motion.
  
  

Medication

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used for pain relief. Over-the-counter medications like aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen are often recommended by doctors, as are prescription drugs such as codeine for more severe and chronic pain.
  
  

Positioning and Movement

• To help relieve pain in the hip, lie on your unaffected side with a pillow between the knees. This helps alleviate pressure on one hip joint in this position. Try to rest the affected area as much as possible. When standing, distribute weight evenly on both feet to avoid chance of increased stress and pain in the unaffected side. Get plenty of rest for the sore hip and use walking aids -- if necessary -- to help with balance and stability.