What are the most common hip problems?

Following are 10 of the most common hip problems. Find out about the symptoms and suggested treatments. Be sure to see your doctor if you suspect you have a problem.

Osteoarthritis (OS)

Sometimes called degenerative arthritis because it is a "wearing out" condition involving the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. When cartilage wears away, the bones rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness and often felt in the front part of your thigh or in your groin. OA usually occurs in people aged 50 years and older and frequently in individuals with a family history of osteoarthritis. Can be treated with ice, rest, aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications. Should be evaluated by your health care professional.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Produces chemical changes in the joint space that cause it to become thickened and inflamed. In turn, the synovial fluid destroys cartilage. The end result is cartilage loss, pain and stiffness. RA affects women about 3 times more often than men and might affect other organs of the body. After age 65, there is a 200 percent greater risk of developing a bunion.

Post-traumatic Arthritis

Might develop after an injury to the joint in which the bone and cartilage do not heal properly. The joint is no longer smooth, and these irregularities lead to more wear on the joint surface.

Trochanteric Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursa that sit on the outside of your hip joint. This hurts when you get up from a chair, walk, climb stairs and drive.

Avascular Necrosis

Avascular necrosis can result when bone is deprived of its normal blood supply (for example, after organ transplantation or long-term cortisone treatment).

Deformity or direct injury

If a person has a deformity or direct injury to the hip joint, in some cases joint pain is made worse by the fact that the person will avoid using the painful joint, weakening the muscles and making the joint even more difficult to move.

Hip Fracture

A hip fracture can change the quality of your life significantly. Fewer than 50% of those with a hip fracture return to their former level of activity. In addition, while recovering from a hip fracture, several possible complications can be life-threatening. These include pneumonia and a blood clot in the leg which can dislodge and travel to cause a clot in the lungs. Both are due to immobility following a hip fracture and hip surgery. Hip fractures become more common as people age because falls are more likely and bones become less dense. People with osteoporosis can get a fracture from simple, everyday activities, not just a dramatic fall or injury.

Aseptic Necrosis

Aseptic necrosis can happen if you have been on steroids for a long time or you have sickle cell anemia. Injury and regular use of alcohol also increase your risk.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is caused from repetitive or strenuous activity.

Low Back Pain such as Sciatica