There is no larger joint in the human body than the hip joint and it is a complicated one as it features a wide range of motions while supporting much of our body’s weight.
The hip joint is located inside a capsule that is filled with lubricant fluid that helps it to move smoothly. The cartilage is a substance placed on the inside of the hip joint. It is a tough, yet very flexible substance whose role is to line the ends of the joints. The ligaments are there to keep the joint’s ball from falling out of the socket.
If you feel pain in your hips, then it has something to do with those parts.
Symptoms of an injured hip
Some of the most common symptoms of an injured hip are:
- Pain in the joint of the hip
- Pain to the knee and thigh
- Limited range of movements
- Limping
- Stiffness
Causes of hip problems
All sorts of conditions may cause hip problems. Some of the most common ones are:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Slipped capital femoral epiphysis
- Irritable hip syndrome
- Perthes’ diseases
- Developmental dysplasia of the hip
- Hip bone fracture
Diagnosing a hip condition
If you feel pain in your hip, then your physician will perform a set of examinations and tests to diagnose the exact cause. The Doctor will start with a visual examination of the hip that should reveal if there is any visible injury or deformity. If that is inconclusive, then the physician will manipulate the leg in various directions, searching for pain, popping sensation, or simply a point of resistance. In addition to that, the physician can turn toward imaging tests such as bone scan, arthrogram, MRI scan, X-ray, and ultrasound. That’s how physicians determine if the pain is caused by muscles inflammation; there is something going on inside the hip, or something else entirely different.
Treatment for hip diseases and disorders
There are certain medications and pain relievers that can effectively treat inflammation triggered by arthritis, as well as other pain related to hip disorders.
In case of severe arthritis and fractures, an operation may be unavoidable. Fortunately, hip operations are purely routine these days. Even a hip replacement is not that much of a challenge for an experienced surgeon. It is a major procedure that is very complex, but almost all people get to have a normal life with their new hip just six to eight weeks after the procedure.
Conclusion
Hips are super-important and taking care of them is of great significance. That is why any hip disorder and symptom should be taken seriously and with caution. At the same time, what matters a lot is to address the issue as soon as possible. Don’t wait for the pain to go away on its own or keep on popping pain relievers without first getting to the bottom of the problem. Go to your physician, get a diagnosis.