Common Hip Problems

The hip is an important joint in the body. It's a network of muscles, ligaments, tendons and cartilage, and provides the stability needed to carry the weight of the body. When the hips not working properly, you can have difficulty, bending, walking and sitting. The cause of hip problems can be a result of trauma, overuse, restricted blood flow and aging.

Hip Pointer

Just below the waist, on the side of the body, is the top of the pelvic bone called the iliac crest. A tear in the muscles or bruise on the bone is known as a hip pointer injury. It is a common hip problem caused by a fall or trauma from a direct blow to the area. Pain from a tear or severe bruise may hurt when walking, coughing or laughing. A mild injury may hurt when you walk or lie down on the injured hip.

Arthritis

There are three types of arthritis that affect the hip most often. Osteoarthritis is arthritis of the hip due to aging. The cartilage in the hip joint breaks down allowing the bones to rub together. An autoimmune disease that affects the hip and other joints is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It's a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the joints. Traumatic arthritis is arthritis caused by a fracture of the hip bone.

Tendinitis

A common hip problem is hip tendinitis. The tendons that connect the muscles to the bone become inflamed causing pain due to an injury or overuse. A hip problem related to tendinitis is called trochanteric bursitis, also known as snapping hip. The bursa are fluid-filled sacs located on the outside of the upper thigh in an area called the greater trochanter. Bursitis in this area affects young dancers and athletes. Pain isn't typically felt with this type of bursitis, so if you are experiencing pain, consult an orthopedic doctor.

Avascular Necrosis

Blood supply to the hip is essential to keep the bone healthy. A lack of blood to the bone can lead to a common hip problem called avascular necrosis. This condition causes the bone tissue to die resulting in tiny fractures, and if the blood flow can't be restored, the hip bone may collapse. Injury, such as a fracture, is the most common reason for impaired blood flow. Taking high doses of corticosteroids and people who drink excessive amounts of alcohol may also have avascular necrosis.

Fracture

Fractures from falls are a common hip problem, especially among the elderly. Osteoporosis is the main reason the elderly suffer hip fractures. For healthy people, hip fractures can occur due to a severe trauma, such as a car accident or other direct blow.

References

• Slocum Center for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• University of Virginia Health System

Resources

• American Academy of Orthopeaedic Surgeons
• UAB Health System
• Mayo Clinic