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. In addition, whenever a person walks, jogs, jumps, or runs, this cartilaginous cushion acts like a shock absorber and reduces the impact. As a result, the cartilage helps protect the hip joint during everyday movements and physical activities.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 its strength, stability, and durability, the hip joint remains vulnerable to wear, tear, and damage. For example, overuse can strain the tendons and muscles, while falls and injuries can damage the hip joint and cause fractures. In addition, aging and repeated stress can gradually wear down the cartilage. As a result, these problems can cause hip pain.
Doctors use the term hip pain to describe discomfort in and around the hip joint. However, the pain does not always originate in the hip. Instead, you may feel it in the thigh or groin area. Therefore, identifying the exact location of the pain can help your doctor determine its possible cause.
Surprising Causes of Hip Pain
Sometimes, a problem with your hip joint can cause knee pain. In such cases, you may feel the pain in the front of the leg, around the knee, or 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.
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 result from problems affecting the hip itself. However, conditions affecting the lower back can also cause hip pain. In such cases, doctors call this type of pain referred or radiating pain. Furthermore, a wide range of health issues, as discussed above, can contribute to hip pain.
Therefore, Dr. Praharsha Mulpur can use the symptoms and other valuable clues to precisely identify the source of your hip pain and determine the underlying cause. If severe joint damage causes the pain, your doctor may recommend robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery in suitable cases.
