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Hip pain is quite common and a symptom of many underlying medical issues. Its prevalence in the general population is 10%, which increases with age. Chronic hip pain can be highly distressing, making daily activities challenging, and even basic tasks like sitting or sleeping can become difficult and uncomfortable. There can be many causes of hip pain; osteoarthritis is one major cause.
As per Global Burden of Diseases 2019, India, the US, and China have the highest cases of hip osteoarthritis. For effective hip pain treatment and management, it's crucial to understand the different causes of hip pain. This blog will provide an overview of hip pain and its various causes to help you better understand the condition and seek the right treatment.
Synopsis
What is Hip Pain?
The pain or discomfort felt in or around the hip joint is referred to as hip pain. The hip joint is the largest in the body and is constantly used for activities like moving, supporting weight, walking, running, sitting, and maintaining body balance. When this hip joint gets stressed, inflamed, or damaged, it causes significant pain and mobility issues. The pain can be temporary, short-term, or chronic, depending on the part of the hip joint damaged.
The extent of symptoms caused by hip pain depends on the underlying condition. It can manifest as an aching or sharp pain or pain radiating to the thigh or knee. Stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion may also accompany the discomfort.
Causes of Hip Pain
To determine an effective treatment plan for hip pain, it's important to understand the cause of this discomfort. The most common reasons for hip pain include:
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Arthritis: When the joints become inflamed and cause pain, it can lead to arthritis. Various types of arthritis can result in hip pain, but the most common cause is osteoarthritis. It can get worse with ageing, obesity, and traumatic injuries.
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Bursitis: Small fluid-filled sacs called bursae are present in the hip, which cushions the spaces around bones and other tissues. When this bursa gets irritated, inflamed, or swells, it leads to hip bursitis, causing hip pain, swelling, and other symptoms, especially when lying on the affected site.
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Injuries: Injuries can damage the part of the hip joint, causing pain. There are many reasons for hip injuries, including sports-related incidents, trauma from falls or car accidents, or repetitive strain injuries. Common injuries that often cause hip pain include hip fractures, labral tears, hip dislocations, sprains, strains, and iliotibial band syndrome.
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Tendonitis: When the hip flexor tendons become inflamed due to overuse or repetitive straining, it leads to tendonitis, causing hip pain. This commonly occurs in athletes or individuals who do repetitive hip movements.
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Hip Impingement: Some people are born with structural abnormalities that can affect the shape of their hips. One such condition is femoroacetabular impingement, in which the bones of the hip joint do not form properly, leading them to rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness.
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Sciatica: When pressure is put on the sciatic nerve that branches from your lower back down each leg, it leads to shooting pain in the hip and down the affected leg, called sciatica.
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Cancer: Though rare, certain cancers, like metastatic or bone cancer, can spread to the hip, causing pain.
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Osteonecrosis: This occurs when the blood flow to the hip bone is limited, causing bone cells to die and collapse. A hip fracture, long-term usage of steroids, or other factors can cause this condition, leading to severe hip pain.
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Infections: Any infection that affects the joints or their nearby structures can lead to swelling and pain in the hip, requiring immediate treatment.
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Hip Dysplasia: This condition causes chronic hip pain. The hip socket does not fully cover the ball of the thigh bone, leading to instability and dislocation, a condition called hip dysplasia.
Consult our orthopaedic specialists in Patiala if you need treatment for hip pain.
Advanced Treatment Options For Hip Pain Relief
Arthroscopic Surgery
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Description: A minimally invasive procedure where a small camera (arthroscope) and instruments are inserted through tiny incisions to diagnose and treat hip joint problems.
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Uses: Commonly used for repairing labral tears, removing loose bodies, and treating hip impingement.
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Benefits: Less tissue damage, reduced pain, quicker recovery, and smaller scars compared to open surgery.
Robotic-Assisted Hip Replacement
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Description: A cutting-edge technique where robotic systems assist surgeons in performing hip replacement with high precision.
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Uses: Ideal for patients with severe arthritis or hip joint damage.
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Benefits: Enhanced accuracy in implant placement, reduced risk of complications, and improved joint function and longevity.
Consult our orthopaedic hospital in Patiala if you need hip pain treatments.
Rehabilitation Post-Surgery
Goals of Rehabilitation
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Pain Management: Use of medications and ice therapy to control pain and swelling.
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Restoration of Mobility: Gradual reintroduction of movement through physical therapy exercises.
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Strength Building: Strengthening the muscles around the hip to support the joint and improve stability.
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Functional Recovery: Training to perform daily activities safely and effectively.
Typical Rehabilitation Timeline
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First Few Days: Focus on pain control, gentle movements, and preventing complications like blood clots.
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First Few Weeks: Begin physical therapy with range-of-motion exercises and light strengthening activities.
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1-3 Months: Progress to more intensive exercises, including walking, stationary biking, and resistance training.
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3-6 Months: Continue strengthening and functional exercises, aiming for a return to normal activities.
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Conclusion
Hip pain can significantly impact daily activities and your overall quality of life. Understanding the potential causes of hip pain is crucial for seeking timely treatment to prevent further damage and ensure proper mobility. Although hip pain can often be managed at home with rest, home remedies, or over-the-counter pain relievers, if you experience persistent or recurring hip pain, it's important to seek professional help. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, consult the expert orthopedicians at Manipal Hospitals, Patiala.
FAQ's
If you experience any of these conditions, seek immediate help from a doctor for your hip pain.
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Pain that comes on suddenly
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Fall or injury that has triggered pain
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The joint looks bruised or swollen.
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A popping noise is heard from the hip joint while moving
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Facing intense pain that is not getting better
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The hip is unable to wear your weight
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Unable to move a leg or hip
Treatment for hip pain will depend on what is causing this pain. General treatment options are the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation), medications (like NSAIDs), physical therapy, and hip surgery (Hip Arthroscopy, Hip Replacement Surgery). Seek professional medical advice to alleviate hip pain and live a better life.
Although these may not be effective in every case, these tips can help prevent hip pain. These are:
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Maintaining your body weight
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Regularly doing yoga or stretching exercises
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Going for annual check-ups
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Strengthening your core muscles
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Regularly engaging in exercises appropriate for your age and tailored to your body’s condition.
If your hip pain is due to a sport or intense workout at home or work, it may be temporary and can go away with rest and simple home remedies. However, chronic hip pains caused by other health conditions need help and treatment by a professional doctor.
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