Hip Pain Overview

Hip pain is one of the most misunderstood pains that there is. The hip is where the pelvis and the femur touch. This is where the groin is located. Therefore hip pain usually describe hip pain as severe groin pain.  If you are having severe groin pain then you are in the right place. If you are having pain over your buttocks then please refer to our back pain section. Hip pain is due to arthritis the majority of the time. It is associated with pain when moving in any general direction. This is because the hip is supposed to support the entire body. If you have a high body weight then your joints are in even more trouble due to the amount of forces placed on the hip joint. If you are of elderly age there are chances that you will have more hip problems then someone who is of younger age. That is because you hip has done more work and seen more trauma than someone who is 20.  Anyone can have hip pains due to trauma, but we see them disproportionately in an elderly population due to the fact that they at risk for brittle bones otherwise known as osteoporosis, as well as osteoarthritis.  This hip joint is composed of  cartilage that helps the bones glide over each other seamlessly. Patients with specific diseases also will have issues with their hips such as sickle cell patients, or patients taking steroids.

​Hip Arthritis: This is caused by wear and tear at the joint. It is more common in the elderly population. If it is not groin pain that you feel, odds are you do not have hip problems. The best treatment for hip pains include over the counter pain medications as well as physical therapy to strengthen the bones that support your hip.

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Hip Pain Emergencies

Hip Malignancy: This can be caused by a host of issues. There can be metastasis from colon cancer, as well as pelvic cancers.  Pelvic bone malignancy can arise de novo as well. Bone cancer of the hip is known as osteosarcoma.  It is a deadly disease and is actually seen in the younger populations. This disease can kill within 6-12 months. Aggressive chemotherapy and surgery is needed depending on which stage the patient is in during diagnosis. This disease presents with hip pain and possibly hip fracture from very minor trauma such as bumping a table.

​Hip Fracture: This is more common in the elderly do to the higher prevalence of osteoporosis. This can happen to elder women in general. Hip fractures can cause hip shortening, severe pain, as well as trouble walking. Depending on where the hip fracture is located it can need surgical intervention with complete replacement of the femoral head in order to ensure proper hip function.

​Avascular Necrosis of the Hip: This is a condition that is more common in people who have sickle cell anemia as well as those patients who take prednisone for any disease. If you are having pain in your groin and are currently experiencing one of the conditions described above you may want to see your physician immediately to get evaluation for possible disease processes such as those describe above. Call us if you have anymore questions about hip pain.