8 things you need to know about hip pain

Hip injuries mostly occur with older people, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis as the most common causes of hip pain. If you suffer from hip injuries and are wondering your options for treatment, here are eight things you need to know: 

1.     Other common causes of hip pain are hip fractures, bursitis, tendinitis, muscle or tendon strains, hip labrum tear, cancer and avascular necrosis.
2.     The hip is a ball-and-socket joint with a cushion of cartilage that helps prevent friction as the femur of the leg moves in the socket. Over time, however, the cartilage wears down and can become torn.
3.     While most hip injuries happen to older people due to years of use and impact, older women are especially prone to osteoarthritis. This condition leads to the deterioration of the bones and fractures during falls.
4.     Hip pain can vary depending on the origin of the damage. If you notice the pain when you’re active, it’s likely linked to arthritis.
5.     If you have hip pain, you can feel it in in the inside or outside of the hip joint, thigh, groin and buttocks.
6.     People with persistent hip pain may develop a limping gait to avoid movement in the joint.
7.     While you can’t always prevent a hip injury, you can reduce the risk and help your hips by maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular exercise. A healthy weight will help you reduce the force on your joints and activity will strengthen the muscles around your hips, back and core.
8.     If a hip is fractured or needs to be replaced for any other reason, you will need hip surgery. It comes with a high success rate and easier recovery than you may assume. But it is only done when the patient has extensive damage that is causing chronic pain and interfering with everyday activities. 

If you are dealing with hip pain or a hip injury and want to learn more about treatment, call (219) 795-3360 to schedule an appointment.