Common Causes of Hip Pain

Hip Pain is one of the most common bone issues that people suffer from in their old age. The same is commonly due to the existing ortho issues such as arthritis or an infection. It is important that we are aware of the causes of hip pain so that we can take appropriate remedial actions to prevent and manage the pain. Please also note that in case the joint pain becomes unbearable and it affecting your everyday life, it is important that you consult an orthopedician at the earliest.

Common causes of Hip Pain:

The following are some of the common causes of hip pain. The same can be ranging from mild to excruciating based on the extent of the orthopedic anomalies.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are among the most common causes of hip pain, especially in older adults. Arthritis leads to inflammation of the hip joint and the breakdown of the cartilage that cushions your hip bones. The pain gradually gets worse. People with arthritis also feel stiffness and have reduced range of motion in the hip.

Infection

Infection is another common cause of hip pain. Hip Infection, also known as Septic Arthritis is more common in children although can happen in any age group. Patient present with severe hip pain with limitation of movements sometimes presents with fever. Pain sometimes radiates to knee joint. It can be bacterial or tubercular. If treatment is not done in an early stage, this can lead to permanent destruction of the joint.

Fracture

Patients usually present with severe pain and unable to walk. The patient usually gives a history of trauma. Fracture is common in all ages, but older population is commonly affected because of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can weaken your bone to such an extent that even a minor trauma can lead to fracture. Fracture in adults usually needs a surgery to stabilize the hip.

Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis)

Avascular necrosis is a condition that causes hip pain in young-to-middle-age adults. It’s often referred to as idiopathic, which means that it doesn’t have any clear cause. However, it’s also linked to the following:

• Drinking too much alcohol
• Using steroids
• Sickle cell disease
• Radiotherapy.

Treatment of avascular necrosis of hip is always surgical. In the initial stage, core decompression is done with limited success. The advance disease usually needs a Total Hip Replacement.

Hip labral tear

This is a rip in the ring of cartilage (called the labrum) that follows the outside rim of the socket of your hip joint. Along with cushioning your hip joint, your labrum acts like a rubber seal or gasket to help hold the ball at the top of your thighbone securely within your hip socket. Athletes and people who perform repetitive twisting movements are at higher risk of developing this problem