Hip Pain What You Need to Know?
Hip joint is the body’s largest joint. It is a ball-and-socket joint and the most stable and strong joint. The top of the thigh bone is ball like. It sits inside a hallow socket in the pelvis. This type of joint provides different types of joint movements in the body.
The Hip Joint and Movement
The joint fits in such a way that it allows smooth movement. The hip bone moves in its socket. The cartilage cushions the hip bones in this joint and prevents friction as the hip bone moves. The cartilage also prevents the bones of the hip joint from rubbing against each other. Whenever a person moves – walk, jog, jump and run this cartilaginous cushion acts like shock absorber and reduces the impact. The hip joint is covered by muscles that are secured to the bones by tendons.
The Synovium
The tendons and muscles together form a capsule around the joint and help move the joint. The synovium inside the joint lubricates the joint with synovial fluid and keep the cartilage healthy. The entire joint help support the upper body and legs. The hip joint can withstand repeated motion and a fair amount of wear and tear.
Hip Joint is Vulnerable to Damage
Despite the most strong, stable and durable joint, hip joint is vulnerable to wear and tear and damage. The tendons and muscles can get overused. Falls and injuries can damage the hip joint and break the bones. Aging and overuse can also wear down cartilage. Hip pain can result due to any of these reasons. It is a term used to refer to the pain felt in and around hip joint. The pain doesn’t always feel from the hip itself, but may instead be felt in the thigh or groin area.
Surprising causes of Hip Pain
Sometimes, a problem with your hip joint can manifest as knee pain – in this case, the pain is felt in the front of the leg and knee and also in the groin.
Radiated or referred Hip Pain: This is fairly common. In some people knee pain is the only sign of problem with their hip. Sometimes, lower back pain can also radiate to buttocks and hip. The person experiencing this type of pain feel pain in the buttocks and outside of their hip.
When to See an Orthopaedic Doctor for your Hip Pain?
You should see your orthopaedic doctor immediately if you:
- Have hip bone injury
- Have had a fall
- Are experiencing hip pain which is getting worse
- Are having walking difficulty
- Are finding it difficult to lean forward while sitting and moving upstairs and downstairs.
- Feel unwell or feverish or losing weight.
Bottom Line
Persistent chronic hip pain not getting better with medications and home remedies should get evaluated by an experienced orthopaedic doctor. Problems with the ligaments, tendons, muscles and soft tissues that surround the hip joint can cause hip pain in the outside of your hip or buttocks. Pain within the hip joint can be due to problems within the hip joint itself. Sometimes, conditions and disorders in the lower back pain can also cause hip pain. This type of pain is called referred or radiating pain. Furthermore, a wide range of health issues as discussed above can cause hip pain. Dr. Praharsha Mulpur has experience and expertise to precisely locate the area of the hip – based on the symptoms and valuable clues about the underlying cause.
