Hip Pain

The hip joint is one the largest joints of the body and serves in locomotion as the thigh moves forward and backward. The hip joint also rotates when sitting and with changes of direction when walking. Pain in the hip joint can be temporary or chronic. There are many causes of hip pain. The treatment of hip pain depends on its particular cause.

CAUSES

There are many causes of hip joint pain. Some hip pain is temporary, while other hip pain can be long-standing or chronic. Causes of hip pain include bursitis, inflammatory and noninflammatory arthritis, fracture, sprain, infectious arthritis (septic arthritis), avascular necrosis, Gaucher's disease, sciatica, muscle strain, iliotibial band syndrome (IT band syndrome), and hematoma.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms associated with hip pain depend on the cause. Symptoms include

Limping
Joint pain
Groin pain
Loss of motion of the hip
Warmth
Swelling over the hip
Tenderness of the hip
Difficulty sleeping on the hip

TREATMENT & PREVENTION

The treatment of hip pain depends on the precise cause of the pain. Treatments can include rest, non-weight-bearing, cold application, and anti-inflammatory medications. For local inflammation, sometimes injection of cortisone medication (steroids) is used to quiet the inflammation. If infection is present, antibiotics are used. Fractures can require treatment with surgical repairs, including pinning, plates and screws, and total joint replacement. For severe arthritis, total joint replacement is performed when possible.

Hip pain can be prevented by avoiding injury to the hip joint. This includes sports injury. Sometimes proper conditioning prior to a sports event can prevent injury.