Hip disorders can develop due to injuries or the aging process. When you have a hip disorder, being able to stand, sit, lie down, or move around comfortably can be difficult. In some cases, you might not be able to walk around or put weight on your hip. While anyone can end up with hip disorders, some people have a higher risk. The risk factors for hip disorders include being older, being overweight, having a family history of osteoarthritis or hip problems, and having previous hip injuries. Your risk of hip disorders is also higher if you’re a woman. Knowing the signs and symptoms of these disorders and what causes them can help ensure that you seek medical care if needed.
Signs and Symptoms of Hip Disorders
The signs and symptoms of hip disorders can vary depending on the specific disorder you have. However, some symptoms are common in most hip disorders, such as hip pain and discomfort. You might experience pain in the affected hip when you move certain ways or put weight on it. With some hip disorders, such as arthritis, you might have constant or chronic pain in one or both hips. In some cases, hip disorders can also cause pain to occur in the leg. Other symptoms of hip disorders include stiffness and reduced movement in the affected hip.
Causes of Hip Disorders
You can develop a hip disorder from injuries, infections, or chronic conditions. Osteoarthritis is among the more common kinds of hip disorders. This disorder occurs when your hip joint experiences wear and tear due to aging, causing the cartilage that normally cushions your bones to deteriorate. This leads to chronic pain and inflammation that can make regular activities hard to do.
Hip dysplasia is another hip disorder that can cause pain and limping. In most cases, people are born with this condition, which occurs when the ball part of the hip isn’t entirely covered by the socket.
Other hip disorders include hip bursitis, which occurs when sacs or bursa in your hip become inflamed. This can cause swelling and pain in the affected hip. Injuries that can cause hip problems include fractures and dislocations. Fractures occur when the thigh bone just below the hip bone breaks, while dislocations occur when the ball part of the hip is pushed out of the socket.
If you experience any symptoms of hip disorders, such as chronic hip pain or stiffness, you should see a doctor. If you have sudden hip pain after a fall or accident, you should seek immediate care, since you might have a hip fracture that needs prompt treatment.
If you’re looking for treatment for a hip disorder, please contact Huntington Orthopedics today to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors. We can fully evaluate your hip and create a treatment plan that provides relief from pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. We provide surgical and non-surgical treatment options for hip problems.