Hip Pain
What typically causes hip pain?
The hip is a large ball and socket joint connecting the femur to the pelvis. This joint is a complex combination of bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Acute injuries cause sudden pain and loss of function when part of the hip breaks, tears, or over-stretches. Fractures (broken bones) and dislocations, where the bones in the hip separate, are some of the most severe acute injuries.
What are some of the common causes for hip pain? advancing age, being overweight, previous hip injuries, repetitive stress on the joint from certain activities or jobs, family history of arthritis, hip dysplasia (abnormal hip joint structure), and certain autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis.
What is hip joint arthritis?
Hip joint arthritis is a condition that occurs when the cartilage in the hip joint wears down, often leaving exposed bone with free nerve endings that are painful under weight bearing conditions. Internally rotating the upper leg and sitting with one heel on the knee can be difficult to do because of the limitation in range of motion.
What are labral tear?
The labrum is a ring that encircles the edge of the hip socket. It helps deepen the socket allowing for a wider range of motion. Labral tears can occur due to aging, repetitive motion, or trauma. A clicking sound is often noticed along with groin pain.
Chronic (long-term) conditions lead to progressively worsening pain, weakness, and stiffness. Arthritis is a frequent cause of chronic hip pain, particularly osteoarthritis; a prevalent condition where the protective articular cartilage wears away from the ends of the bones.
What is trochanteric bursitis?
Trochanteric bursitis is a condition where the bursa, a fluid-filled sac located on the outside of the hip joint (near the greater trochanter), becomes inflamed, causing pain in the hip area, typically felt on the outer side of the thigh and buttocks.
What is Iliotibial band syndrome?
Iliotibial band syndrome is a condition that causes pain on the outside of the knee due to inflammation and irritation of the iliotibial band, a thick tendon that runs along the outside of the thigh from the hip to the movements, such as running or cycling, and is often seen in athletes and active individuals. The pain typically worsens with activity and can feel like a burning sensation or ache in the outer knee joint.
What is gluteal tendonitis?
The gluteal muscles that attach to the hip are the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. All three originate from the ilium (part of the pelvis) and insert onto the greater trochanter of the femur (the upper part of the thigh bone), allowing for hip movement like extension, abduction, and rotation.
Gluteal tendonitis can be caused by overuse, underuse, or injury. Other contributing factors include biomechanical issues and aging. The pain is often located near the trochanteric bursa; however, it remains within the pelvis.
How is hip pain diagnosed?
The Bioinfinity Regenerative Medicine team has extensive experience diagnosing hip pain. We review your medical history, complete a physical exam, and discuss your symptoms. Imaging procedures such as an MRI, CT scan, or X-rays are often needed to allow your provider to see the bones and tissues inside your hip joint so they can identify the extend and cause of your pain.
