Hip pain is a very common, frustrating problem, affecting millions of Americans every year. Pain in this major joint can keep you from even the most basic activities such as walking or sleeping comfortably. There are many causes, some of which may even start in other areas of the body. But whatever the cause, the important thing is to talk to your doctor when the pain starts to interfere with your regular activities. Trying to “just put up with it” may make the problem worse.
The hip is the body’s largest ball-and-socket joint. The thighbone features the “ball,” which fits into a cup-shaped socket in the pelvis. The muscles, tendons and ligaments in the buttocks, groin and spine all hold the joint together. Fluid-filled sacs, called bursae, cushion the joint and allow it to move easily. In addition, the largest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve, passes through the hip joint from the pelvis and into the leg.
When things go wrong with these parts, pain is often the result. Arthritis, bursitis and a spine disorder called spinal stenosis are some common causes of hip problems. Understanding these conditions is the first step in understanding what can be done to treat the pain they cause.
Arthritis: Arthritis is a term that means inflammation of the joint, usually where there is damage to the cartilage. In early stages, pain is caused by the inflammation. Later, when the cartilage has worn away, the pain is caused by the friction of bone on bone.
Bursitis: The bursa is a soft, fluid-filled sac that cushions joints and reduces friction. In the hip, it’s positioned between the bone and the surrounding soft tissues. If the bursa becomes inflamed due to overuse or injury, it can cause pain.
Spinal Stenosis: The spine is a column of bones with a channel down the middle. The spinal cord runs through that protective channel. Spinal stenosis is when the channel starts to narrow — due to osteoarthritis, herniated discs, injuries or other issues — which puts pressure on the nerves, causing pain and muscle spasms.
No matter what’s causing your pain, you shouldn’t just ignore it. There are many treatments that can help you feel better and get you back to a healthy level of activity. Talk to your doctor at Riverview Health about which treatment is right for you.
Once you have a plan, there’s a lot you can do to help improve your body’s natural healing powers. For instance, eating a more nutritious diet, getting more exercise and quitting smoking can all help you recover faster. Focus on upper body exercises to give your hip a rest and help reduce any arm soreness you may have from using crutches or a walker during recovery. If you’re going to be off your feet for a while, find a helper who can check in on you and run errands while you heal. With a little patience and a proper rehabilitation, you can be up and around enjoying life again.
Ready to meet with one of our orthopedic and sports medicine doctors? Call us at 317.565.0505 to request an appointment.
Sources: ArthritisEducation.com, Health.Harvard.edu