Hip anatomy, pain & treatment
Hip anatomy
The hip is one of the body’s largest joints. It is a ball and socket joint. The joint is formed by the acetabulum which is part of the large pelvis bone. The ball is the femoral head which is the upper end of the femur or thigh bone. The bone surfaces of the ball and socket are covered with articular cartilage, a smooth slippery substance that protects and cushions the bones and enables them to move easily. The surface of the joint is covered by a thin lining called the synovium. In a healthy hip, the synovium produces a small amount of fluid that lubricates the cartilage and aids in movement.
What causes hip pain?
Osteoarthritis of the Hip I Rheumatoid Arthritis
Hip pain can be caused by arthritis, injuries or other issues. If your hip pain is reoccurring, and you have not had an injury, the most likely reasons are osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The main difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is the cause behind the symptoms. Osteoarthritis (OA) is caused by mechanical wear and tear on joints. However, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the body's own immune system attacks the body's joints. A medical professional should help diagnose.
Osteoarthritis of the Hip
Most common symptom: pain around the hip joint
Sometimes called wear and tear arthritis, osteoarthritis is a common condition that many people develop after age 50, although it can occur at an earlier age, or after trauma to the joint. It can occur in any joint of the body but most often develops in weight-bearing joints, such as the hip.
What causes hip osteoarthritis?
In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the hip joint gradually wears away over time. As the cartilage wears away, it becomes frayed and rough and the protective joint space between the bones decreases. This can result in bone rubbing on bone. To make up for the lost cartilage, the damaged bones may start to grow outward and form bones spurs or osteophytes.
What are the symptoms of hip osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis of the hip causes pain and stiffness. It can make it hard to do everyday activities, like bending over to tie a shoe, rising from a chair, or taking a short walk. Because osteoarthritis gradually worsens over time, the sooner you start treatment, the more likely it is you can lessen its impact on your life. Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis there are many treatment options to help you manage pain and stay active.
How to diagnose hip osteoarthritis?
A medical professional can help diagnose hip osteoarthritis by giving you a physical exam, looking into a your family history, and ordering x-rays and blood tests. Additional tests may be needed such as an ultrasound, MRI or bone scan.
How to treat hip osteoarthritis?
Hip osteoarthritis cannot be reversed, but there are treatments that may help reduce pain. Acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antidepressants, or a combination of the three may be used as a treatment, as well as therapy. If these do not help or immobility worsens, surgery may be the only option.
Risk factors that may make you more likely to develop osteoarthritis
Increasing age
Family history of osteoarthritis
Previous injury or trauma to the hip joint, obesity
Improper formation of the hip joint at birth, a condition known as developmental dysplasia of the hip
Even if you do not have any of the risk factors listed above you can still develop osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Most common symptom: discomfort or stiffness in both hips
Although rheumatoid arthritis most commonly affects the joints of the hands and wrists, it can also affect hips, knees, and shoulders. Women are two to three times more likely to be affected than men.
What causes hip RA?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack your own body. As a results, the synovium thickens, swells, and produces chemical substances that attack and destroy the articular cartilage covering the bone. Rheumatoid arthritis often involves the same joint on both sides of the body, so both hips may be affected.
What are the symptoms of hip RA?
Hip RA can cause pain, stiffness and swelling of one or both hips. Some people also have discomfort and stiffness in the thigh and groin. Other symptoms may include fatigue, pain, loss of appetite and stiffness in other joints.
How to diagnose hip RA?
A medical professional can help diagnose hip RA by giving you a physical exam, looking into a your family history, and ordering x-rays and blood tests. Additional tests may be needed such as an ultrasound, MRI or bone scan.
How to treat hip RA?
Hip RA may be treated with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or a combination of the three. If these do not help or immobility worsens, surgery may be the only option.
Risk factors that may make you more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis
Your sex. Females are more likely to develop
Age. Can begin as early as middle age
Family history
Smoking
Obesity/excess weight
About 1.3 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
-Healthline
