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Hip Pain

The word "hip pain" refers to any discomfort felt in or near the hip joint. It may also be felt in the groin or thigh rather than usually in the hip itself. Hip pain is a frequent ailment that can be brought on by many different issues. Your hip joint is incredibly sturdy and solid. As a ball-and-socket joint, it is known. This is due to the thigh bone's ball-like upper form. Your pelvis has a hollow socket where this "ball" is located. Of all the several types of joints in the body, ball-and-socket joints offer the largest range of motion. 

The muscles that cover the hip joint and the tendons that attach them to the bones keep the joint from dislocating. These tendons and muscles surround the joint and provide stability for movement. They support the joint's mobility while allowing you to move your legs and upper torso. The synovium, located inside the capsule, lubricates the joint with synovial fluid and maintains the cartilage's health. Your hip joint's cartilage rests between the bones to prevent them from rubbing against one another and to lessen any impact when you walk or move your hip.

Any damage to these parts brought on by trauma or other accidents results in hip pain and discomfort.

Identifying / Symptoms of Hip Pain

Hip discomfort, which may feel painful, acute, or scorching is a typical symptom. Its severity might range from minor to severe. Pain on the inside of your hip or in your groin is frequently a sign of issues with the hip joint itself. Injuries to the muscles, ligaments, tendons and other soft tissues that surround the hip joint are frequently the root cause of hip pain that radiates to the outside of your hip, upper thigh, or outer buttock.

Causes of Hip Pain

Hip pain is brought on by a variety of causes. There may be significant reasons such as fractures and joint infection but also some less serious reasons. Some common causes of hip pain are: 

1. Inflamed tendons

Inflamed tendons, often known as tendonitis, are the most typical cause of sudden hip discomfort. Overexertion is frequently to blame for this. Although this ailment can be quite painful, it often gets better within a few days.

2. Arthritis

Arthritis is the most typical cause of chronic hip discomfort. Walking difficulties, stiff and sensitive joints, and discomfort are all symptoms of arthritis. Different forms of arthritis exist, including:

  • Age-related deterioration of the cartilage that lines the joints can cause osteoarthritis (OA).
  • Traumatic arthritis, like osteoarthritis, can result from injury to a joint, such as a fracture.
  • An infection in the joint that results in cartilage damage is what causes infectious arthritis.
  • The immune system of the body attacks the joints, causing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Joint cartilage and bones may eventually be destroyed by this kind of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is substantially less prevalent than osteoarthritis.
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3. Trochanteric bursitis

Trochanteric bursitis is another factor causing hip discomfort. This problem develops when the bursa, a sac filled with fluids located close to the hip joint, gets irritated. Trochanteric bursitis can be brought on by a variety of conditions, such as hip injuries, joint overuse, or poor posture.

4. Hip Fracture

 

Elderly people and those with osteoporosis, which is a weakening of the bones brought on by age or other conditions, are more likely to experience hip fractures.

Hip fractures result in acute, excruciating hip pain, and they must be treated by a doctor right away. A blood clot in the leg is one of the problems that might result from a broken hip.

Surgery is typically required to treat a hip fracture. Physical treatment will probably be necessary for you to recuperate.

5. Snapping Hip Syndrome

The most frequent victims of snapping hip syndrome are dancers or athletes, and it is characterized by a cracking sensation or sound in the hip. This snapping could happen, for instance, while you move or stand up from a chair. Although the illness seldom causes discomfort, it occasionally does.

Injured cartilage or material fragments in the hip are typically the cause of a snapping hip with discomfort.

6. Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis, also known as avascular necrosis, develops when blood flow ceases momentarily or indefinitely to the ball and socket of the hip joint. The supporting bone may lose density as a result of this.

The cartilage in this ailment starts off normal but progressively collapses as the problem worsens. Bones may eventually fracture or crumble. Sometimes the exact etiology of osteonecrosis is not known. You may be more susceptible to this illness as a result of joint damage, cancer therapies, high steroid or alcohol use, or joint injury. However, the reason is frequently never identified.

Hip Pain: When to Seek Medical Help?

Most of the time, you can manage your own hip discomfort with straightforward home remedies. You should visit your doctor if your pain is severe or if it hasn't subsided after two weeks of using medicines as prescribed. You should seek medical attention right immediately if: 

  • You fell or your hip was hurt.
  • The discomfort is intensifying
  • You find it difficult to do daily tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or sitting upright in a chair.
  • You've been losing weight, you feel ill, or have a fever.

Preventing Hip Pain

There are a number of things you can do to be proactive about hip pain, even if you may not be able to stop all causes of it. They consist of:

  • Getting in shape if you're overweight
  • Eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D for maintaining bone health
  • Choose low-impact exercises like a bike or swimming
  • Before and after workout stretching
  • Having a discussion with your doctor about regular strength training

If you are facing discomfort around your hip even after trying home medication and conservative treatment, contact Bone and Joints today. Orthopedic specialists at Bone and Joints are committed to providing quality treatment with honest opinions throughout the treatment process.

Contact us today so you may resume your warrior lifestyle as soon as possible.