OSTEOARTHRITIS
Hip pain is a term that’s used to refer to pain at the hip joint –it can also refer to pain that’s felt in the thigh or groin area.
There are a variety of different causes for hip pain. Here are four common disorders that can result in hip pain.
Trochanteric Bursitis
Trochanteric bursitis is a common hip disorder. This condition occurs when there is inflammation of the bursa –a fluid-filled pad that allows tendons to glide easily over bone. When there has been an injury to the joint, the bursa can become irritated or swollen, causing pain in the hip that sometimes goes down to the knee. This disorder is usually caused by a fall or other form of direct impact.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis to affect the hip. It occurs when the joint cartilage begins to degenerate and break down, resulting in pain since there is nothing to cushion the bones.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
While osteoarthritis is a "wear and tear" condition, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease. This condition can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling and can cause deterioration of the joint, in some cases, resulting in a loss of function.
Fractures or Breaks
Small fractures of the hip or a break can also cause pain. Fractures and breaks can be caused from an injury –such as an accident or fall. Fractures are more commonly found in those who have weakened or brittle bones. But if there is a hard enough impact –the hip bone can become fractured.
If you or a loved one is experiencing hip pain, contact your orthopedic specialist to determine the cause. In some cases, waiting too long can cause the condition to progress, and it’s best to determine the cause, and find a course of treatment as soon as possible.
At Blackstone Orthopedics, we provide sports medicine for Rhode Island. We offer surgery as well as pain management for hip joint injuries and other common conditions. Contact us today to learn more.
