The hip joint is formed by the end of the thighbone and the hollow side of the pelvis. The joint is of the
ball-and-socket variety. While difficult to dislocate, hip joints can suffer from other types of diseases and
problems. Since the hips are in high demand from both halves of the body for walking, running and even standing
still, it is not surprising that joints can suffer. When affected, hip pain results.
Causes
There are different types of medical issues resulting in hip pain. The most common afflictions of the hip among
children are juvenile osteonecrosis (Legg-Calvé Perthes’ disease) and slipped femoral epiphysis (SFE). For adults,
the common health problems include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and psoriatic arthritis. Any of these
diseases can affect the functioning of the hip joints and, through them, the rest of the body. The extent of the
effect depends upon the actual disease and its extent upon the body.
Types of Medical Issues Causing Hip Pain
Arthritis is responsible for many instances of hip pain. Each has its own symptoms and treatment. While the
group of problems often called arthritis have similar etymologies, the exact effects can be very different. Below
is a small list of the major and/or most common hip joint problems.
Osteoarthritis (OA) – This disease is often referred to as degenerative joint disease. This indicates the basic
problem at work – the degeneration of cartilage protecting the joints. The bone thickens in an attempt to protect
and prevent the rubbing of the bones together. This merely aggravates the problem as the bones rub and the ability
to move decreases. The result is hip pain, tenderness, stiffness, restricted movement, a creaking feeling when the
joint does move and swelling of the hip joint.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – RA is chronic inflammation of the synovial membrane of different joints, including
the hip joint. This is symmetrical in its actions, including more than the initial joint. Necrobiotic subcutaneous
nodules may indicate the presence of this disease. Other symptoms include pain and joint stiffness as well as
swollen joints. The joints may also feel warm when you touch them.
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) – As the name indicates, it affects only the young – infants, children and
adolescents, all under age 16. Symptoms are similar if not identical to those found in adults including pain,
swelling and stiffness. It is also called Still’s Disease while a variation is known as systemic juvenile
idiopathic arthritis.
Gout – gout is distinguished by its raised levels of uric acid in the joints as sodium monourate. It can appear
precipitously. The affected hip joint is swollen. It worsens at night.
Psoriatic Arthritis – This is hip inflammation accompanying an existent case of psoriasis. Together with the
accompanying red patchy rashes, the individual will have sore and stiff or tender joints.
Treatment
Treatment for any type of hip pain depends upon the correct diagnosis of the problem. Anti-inflammatory drugs
are available to deal with swelling and the different types of inflammation. The most common kinds are
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as iubprofen and naproxen. In the instance of both AR and OR,
steroids may also prove advisable. Certain drugs can lower the production of uric acid causing gout. The
implementation of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and surgery – hip replacement, are also possible
treatments for hip pain.
Alternatives to medication and surgery do exist. There are complementary and alternative approaches to reducing
hip pain. These may involve movement based exercise and practices such as Tai Chi and Yoga. It could also be Asian
traditional medicine in the form of acupressure or acupuncture. Massage and other forms of physiotherapy may also
provide some forms of relief.
Conclusion
Hip pain residing in or related to the hip joint can be a very painful experience. Swelling, soreness, painful
and difficult movement can make it very difficult to continue to live a normal life. Drugs, alternative treatments
and surgery may restore the body to a functioning entity.