Hip Pain

About 400,000 Americans are diagnosed annually with hip problems that warrant hip replacement and almost half decide to live with the pain rather than endure major surgery and limited function following that surgery. These statistics are alarming, in light of the nearly one in five hip osteoarthritis sufferers who report being unable to perform as simple of a task as play with their children or grandchildren. The financial losses to the employee and employer because of restricted work capabilities can be devastating. There are 193,000 hip replacements performed annually in the United States. Common causes of hip pain include: 

• Arthritis: The hip joint is key to basic mobility, making it possible for us to sit, stand, turn, walk, jump and run. It consists of a ball and socket, with the rounded end of the thigh or femur bone fitting into the pelvis. In a healthy hip joint, a strong, flexible material called cartilage covers the edge of each bone, acting as a cushion between them. When osteoarthritis occurs, the cartilage loses its smooth surface, becoming pitted and frayed. Eventually, it wears away, leaving the ends of the bone exposed. Without the cartilage, those bones grind together and cause pain.
   
• The hip joint is also lined by tissue called synovium. It produces a lubricating fluid that reduces friction between the bones. In patients who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, the synovium is inflamed, and the fluid it secretes actually destroys cartilage. This type of arthritis occurs three times more often in women than men, and it can affect other parts of the body.
   
• Post-traumatic arthritis is caused by an injury to the bone and cartilage. The damaged cartilage fails to heal properly so there’s more wear on joint surfaces.
   
• Avascular Necrosis: Some patients have a condition called avascular necrosis in which the bone is weakened by poor blood flow. As the bone deteriorates, it damages the cartilage. This condition is common in people who’ve had long-term cortisone treatments, and like arthritis, it leads to joint pain.
   
• Bursitis: Bursitis is caused by inflammation of a bursa, a small jelly-like sac filled with fluid. The knees, hips, elbows, shoulders and heels all contain bursae that help cushion bones and the overlying soft tissue.

The orthopedic team at MetroSouth Medical Center treats patients with debilitating hip pain. Because of the team's significant experience, they understand the impact hip pain has on a patient's life. They work together with their patients to find the treatment offering the best outcomes. 

To schedule an appointment with a hip pain specialist from MetroSouth Medical Center call 708-489-7925.