Hip pain is something that affects
many people, especially later in life. In fact, one study found that almost 20% of older adults had experienced some form of hip pain
within the past 12 months.
Hip pain can at best be a moderate
annoyance, but at worst, it can be a great inconvenience and even a sign of
something altogether more serious.
If you or a loved one is suffering
from hip pain, and you're not sure why. Read on to discover some common causes
of hip pain, and when and how you should be seeking treatment.
1.
A Strained Muscle
Sometimes, the cause of your hip
pain is easy to figure out. If you've been moving your hip or legs in a way
that you normally wouldn't, or if something has caused you to put undue strain
on your hip, it's possible you strained a tendon or muscle in that area. This
can cause the muscles to become inflamed and will make them tender to touch and
more difficult to move.
2.
Bursitis
You may or may not have heard of
bursae. These are sacs of fluid situated between tissues like bone and muscle.
Their job is to ease the friction caused when they rub against one another.
Sometimes, bursae become inflamed, often due to repetitive motion. When this
happens, they can cause pain in the affected area.
3.
A Fracture
As we age, our bodies become more
sensitive, and our bones tend to become weaker and more brittle. This is why
something that might not seem so serious, like a fall, or hitting against
something, can be more damaging to older people than one might think. A
fracture to the hip bone is especially common in older adults and those with
osteoporosis.
4.
Arthritis
One of the most common causes of hip
pain is arthritis. This chronic pain disease causes the inflammation of joints
which can leave affected areas swollen and painful to move around. Anyone can
develop arthritis, although it is more common in older people. If your hip is
sore and swollen, it could be a sign you might be developing the disease.
5.
Snapping Hip Syndrome
Although more often found in women,
snapping hip syndrome can affect anyone at any age. It commonly occurs when the
hip tendon or muscle slides over the bone due to a traumatic event. It is
characterized by feeling a snapping sensation or hearing a snapping sound when
the hip is moved. Hip pain can also be a symptom.
When
to Seek Treatment for Hip Pain
Of course, some hip pain is mild,
manageable, and mostly harmless. So how do you know if you may be experiencing
something more serious? And how do you know when it is wise to seek treatment?
As a general rule, if the pain is
debilitating, it warrants treatment. If you cannot stand, put weight on your
leg, or the mobility of the joint is severely restricted, then you might want
to seek attention.
You may choose to see your doctor or
a chiropractor for hip pain, or, if the pain is particularly
bad, make a trip to the emergency room.
If the pain is sudden, persistent,
or extreme, it is probably safer to have someone take a look at you, before it
gets worse.
Looking
After Your Body
When deciding whether to seek
treatment for your hip pain it's important to remember you should always listen
to your body. Pain is the body's way of letting us know something is wrong, and
it's not a good idea to ignore it.
If you've found this article
helpful, please take a look at some of our other health-related content.
