Osteoarthritis, also known as “wear-and-tear” arthritis, is a common condition that mostly affects people aged 50 and older. It occurs when the protective cartilage at the ends of our bones wears down over time and can occur in any joint in the body. Since the hip is a weight-bearing joint, people are more susceptible to developing osteoarthritis there. Obesity, a family history of osteoarthritis, and a previous hip injury can also lead to an increased risk of developing hip osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis of the hip causes pain and stiffness in the hips and can make everyday activities such as walking or bending over difficult to carry out. While there can be a sudden onset of pain, it is more common for the pain caused by hip osteoarthritis to slowly worsen over time. For some people, this pain can also affect the knees or buttocks, or occur during vigorous activity. Occasionally, the hip may lock during movement, accompanied by a grinding noise which is caused by loose cartilage fragments. Some people also complain of greater pain in the morning, and in rainy or cold weather.
A hip fracture refers to a break in the upper portion of the femur (thigh bone). It occurs most often in the elderly, especially after a fall from standing height. In younger people, hip fractures can be caused by severe impact, such as a car accident or fall from a ladder. Hip fractures are painful injuries that will require surgical treatment in order to restore motion and reduce pain.
When the hip is fractured, there will be severe pain in the hip or groin, as well as bruising and swelling in the affected area. You may be unable to put weight on the leg on the side affected by the fractured hip. In more serious cases, you may even be unable to walk or to get back up after a fall. Other signs of fractured hip are leg length discrepancy or the outward turning of the leg on the side of the injured hip.
Avascular necrosis (AVN) refers to a disease whereby bone tissue dies due to a temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to the bone. Small cracks will form in the affected bone, eventually leading to collapse. AVN can occur in any bone but is most likely to occur in the hips, shoulders, knees, hands, and feet. AVN of the hip is more likely to develop in people between the ages of 45 and 60 who have hip injuries. Other risk factors include excessive alcohol consumption, steroid use, and certain medical conditions such as sickle cell disease and Crohn’s disease.
AVN often does not result in any symptoms during its early stages. Over time, however, the affected joint will begin to hurt when it bears weight and subsequently get worse if left untreated. When it comes to AVN of the hip, the pain often occurs in the groin, buttock, or thigh. In most cases, AVN of the hip occurs bilaterally, affecting both hips rather than just one side.
Septic arthritis refers to the infection of a joint due to bacteria, although it can also be caused by a virus or fungus. The bacteria enters the joint fluid and tissue via the bloodstream, resulting in a painful infection that will require immediate treatment. Joints can also be infected due to injury, injection, or surgery. Septic arthritis most commonly occurs in the hips, knees, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and fingers.
Septic arthritis of the hip will result in severe joint pain and swelling, as well as redness around the affected area. You will most likely also develop a fever. Septic arthritis of the hip should be treated as early as possible to avoid complications. Open surgery may be necessary in order to drain out the infected joint fluid in the hip joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of chronic inflammatory arthritis that occurs when a dysfunction of the autoimmune system causes it to attack the lining of the joints. While this disease most commonly affects the hands and wrists, it can also occur in the shoulders, hips, and knees. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is currently unknown but medical professionals believe that it may be related to hormones, genetics, and environmental factors.
Rheumatoid arthritis of the hip often results in joint pain and inflammation that persists for six or more weeks. You may experience pain in the groin and thighs, as well as stiffness in the morning that lasts for at least 30 minutes. These symptoms usually occur on both hips at the same time. Some people may also experience fatigue or have a low-grade fever.
Snapping Hip Syndrome (SHS) is a hip disorder where hip movements result in a popping or clicking sound coming from the hip joint. It is most common in athletes and dancers aged 15 to 40 years old. SHS is usually caused by a tight iliotibial band, which is the tendon running along the outside of the thigh. If left untreated, this type of SHS can worsen and begin to cause pain over time. SHS can also be caused by leg length discrepancy, loose ligaments, and weak hip muscles. Prolonged physical activity and repetitive hip movements are also known to cause SHS.
People with SHS will hear a snapping or clicking noise during hip movement. They may also experience tightness in the hips, or pain during rigorous activity. Left untreated, SHS can lead to weakness in the leg on the side of the affected hip, swelling around the affected hip, and difficulty carrying out daily activities, such as walking.
If you experienced any trauma to your hip from an accident, or suffer from chronic discomfort, it is paramount that you seek treatment right away to prevent further complications. A quicker diagnosis means that your orthopaedist can work with you in providing proper early treatment in the form of rest, medication or surgery.
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