Hip Joint Pain?

The joint in the hip, scientifically known as the acetabulofemoral joint, is a ball-and-socket joint that attaches the leg to the torso of the body. It functions primarily to support the entire weight of the body in both static, like standing, and dynamic, such as walking or running postures. Pain over this joint structure is common in all ages but appears more often in people who are over 40 years of age as a result of aging. As a person ages, the joints, muscles and tendons become weaker and tend to lose elasticity and strength. This makes the person vulnerable to various injuries that can result to hip pain. Any disease or injury that causes inflammation to the spaces in between hip joints will result to the stretching of hip capsules, which leads to pain.

Hip fracture is the most common reason for hip pain. Fractures are usually due to falls, which is commonly due to aging. In aged individuals, osteoporosis and loss of balance are common which can result to accidents such as falls. Hip fractures are serious cases requiring prompt treatment and management. Usually fractures happen at the proximal or upper part of the femur. During these instances, it is necessary to identify the precise location of the fracture so that the clinician will be able to know the type of operation needed to repair the injury. Aside from falls, any trauma can potentiate hip fractures. A portion of the pelvis may be fractured in these cases.

The initial pain caused by hip fractures may be in, but is not limited to, the hip area. There are instances in which, although there is the presence of hip pain, experts are not able to detect problems in the hip area. Diagnostic exams and imaging studies such as x-rays do not reflect problems in the hip, but other health problems like hernia, sciatica, meralgia paresthetica. In this case, hip pain is known only as referred pain. Other traumatic injuries that can lead to hip joint pain include contusions or bruises, overuse injuries, and hip bursitis. Any health condition that can cause systematic inflammation like synovitis or inflammation of the lining of the hip joints, in the body can affect the condition of the hip joints.

Osteoarthritis is known as the most common cause of hip pain in people over the age of 50. Other types of arthritis, which are also known to cause hip pain, include rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Several other possible factors that can lead to hip pain include osteonecrosis, trochanteric bursitis, fibromyalgia, tendonitis and infection. Although hip pain may indicate serious complications, it is still necessary to perform certain home methods that will help alleviate pain. Examples of these methods are rest, warm or cold compress, stretching exercises, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications.