Pain in the hip joint, hip pain: What's it, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Hip pain; Pain – hip

Hip pain is a common symptom, that affects millions of people around the world. It can be caused by various factors, including injuries, arthritis and other diseases. Sometimes you may not feel hip pain directly in the thigh area.. You may feel it as pain in your groin or pain in your hip or knee..

What is hip pain?

Hip pain is any discomfort or pain, that are felt in or around the hip joint. The hip joint is a spherical joint, which connects the femur (femur) with pelvis. It's a big joint, which is responsible for supporting the weight of the upper body and facilitating the movement of the legs.

Causes of hip pain

There are many different causes of hip pain.. Some of the most common reasons include:

Hip pain can be caused by problems with the bones or cartilage of the hip, including:

• hip fractures – can cause sudden and severe hip pain. These injuries can be serious and lead to serious problems.. More common as people get older, because the probability of falling is higher, and your bones get weaker.
• Infection in the bones or joints.
• Osteonecrosis of the hip joint (necrosis due to loss of blood supply to the bone).
• Arthritis – often felt in the front of the thigh or groin.
• Labral rupture of the thigh.
• Impingement syndrome of the femoral acetabulum - an abnormal growth around the thigh, pre-arthritis of the hip. It can cause pain with movement and exercise.

Pain in or around the hip can also be caused by these problems., as:

• Bursitis - pain when getting up from a chair, walking, climbing stairs and driving.
• Hamstring tension
• iliotibial syndrome
• Hip flexor tension
• Impingement syndrome of the hip joint
• Groin deformity
• Snapping hip syndrome

Pain, you feel in your thigh, may reflect a problem in the back, not in the hip.

Symptoms of hip pain

Symptoms of hip pain can vary depending on the cause of the pain.. Some common symptoms include:

• Pain or discomfort in the hip joint or surrounding areas.
• Stiffness or limited mobility in the hip joint.
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Swelling or inflammation around the hip joint.
• Clicking or popping sound when moving the hip joint.

When to see a doctor

If you are experiencing hip pain, it is important to see a doctor, if:

• The pain is severe or lasts more than a few days.
• You have difficulty standing or walking
• You are experiencing swelling or inflammation around the hip joint.
• You have a fever or other signs of infection.
• Pain accompanied by numbness or tingling in the legs.

Questions, which the doctor may ask

When you visit the doctor for hip pain, it, probably, ask you some questions, to determine the cause of your pain. Some general questions may include:

• When did you first feel hip pain??
• Where exactly is the pain located??
• How bad is the pain?
• What makes pain better or worse?
• Have you had a recent injury or fall?
• Do you have other diseases?
• What medications are you currently taking?

Diagnosis of pain in the hip joint

To diagnose the cause of hip pain, the doctor may conduct a physical examination and order imaging studies, such as x-ray, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. They may also perform blood tests, to rule out infections or other diseases.

Treatment options for hip pain

Treatment options for hip pain will depend on the underlying cause of the pain.. Some common treatment options include:

home treatment

In some cases, hip pain can be managed with home remedies., like peace, ice and over-the-counter pain relievers. Exercise therapy and stretching can also help relieve hip pain and improve mobility..

Steps, you can take, to relieve hip pain, include:

• Try to avoid action, that aggravate the pain.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Sleep on that side of the body, who doesn't feel pain. Put a pillow between your legs.
• lose weight, if you are overweight. Seek help from your doctor.
• Try not to stand for long periods of time. If you need to get up, do it on soft, soft surface.
• Wear flat shoes, soft and comfortable.

To avoid hip pain, associated with excessive exercise or physical activity, you can do the following:

• Always warm up before your workout and cool down after.. Stretch your quads and hamstrings.
• Avoid running straight down the slope. Go down instead.
• Go swimming instead of running or cycling.
• Run on a smooth, soft surface, eg, along the track. Avoid running on cement and asphalt.
• If you have flat feet, wear special insoles for shoes and arch supports (orthopedic insoles).
• Check, that your running shoes are of good quality, fits well and has good cushioning.
• Reduce the amount of exercise, which you do.

If you suspect, that you have arthritis or have injured your hip, consult a doctor before exercising your hips.

Medicines

Your doctor may prescribe painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs, to help manage hip pain. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation in the hip joint..

Your doctor may recommend that you take a higher dose of the medicine, over-the-counter. You may also need an anti-inflammatory medication, prescription.

Surgery

If conservative treatment fails, surgery may be needed to treat hip pain. The type of surgery recommended will depend on the underlying cause of the pain., but options may include hip replacement surgery, arthroscopy or osteotomy.

Prevention of hip pain

Although some causes of hip pain cannot be prevented, there are steps, you can take, to reduce the risk of hip injuries and other diseases, which can cause hip pain. Some tips for preventing hip pain include::

• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the hip joint.
• Regular physical activity to maintain hip strength and flexibility.
• Using proper technique when lifting weights or playing sports.
• Wear supportive shoes and avoid impact loads, which can lead to hip injury.
• Seeking treatment for any comorbidities, which can cause hip pain, like arthritis.

Conclusion

Hip pain is a common symptom, which can be caused by various factors. If you are experiencing hip pain, it is important to see a doctor, to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Taking steps to prevent hip injuries and treat any underlying conditions, you can help reduce the risk of hip pain and maintain optimal hip health.

Used sources and literature

Chen AW, Hill BG. Hip diagnosis and decision-making. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee, The sink, & Miller’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 77.

Guyton BJ. Hip pain in the young adult and hip preservation surgery. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 6.

Huddleston J.I., Goodman S. Hip and knee pain. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, Koretzsky GA, McInnes IB, O'Dell Jr, eds. Firestein and Kelly’s Textbook of Rheumatology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 51.