The hip is a ball and socket joint covered with cartilage or labrum that allows for fluid motion of the hip and cushioning. When  the bone, cartilage, muscles or tendons are disrupted the result is pain.  Conditions that commonly affect the hip include arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, muscle strains,labral tears,fractures and avascular necrosis.

Hip Conditions

Arthritis: this is the breakdown of cartilage within the hip joint and the formation of bone spurs. symptoms progress gradually and presents as pain in the groin and decreased range of motion in the joint.  People with arthritis often have difficulty putting on shoes and socks.  Arthritis is treated in the beginning with nonsteroidal anti inflammatories such as ibuprofen, low impact activity (swimming) and  eventually a total hip replacement.

Bursitis: is the inflammation of fluid filled sacs causing pain on the outside of the hip.  People with bursitis have difficulty laying on the affected side and that side is painful to touch.  This is often treated with cortisone injections, nonsteroidal anti inflammatories and physical therapy.

Tendonitis and muscle strains:Repetitive activity or participation in a new activity can cause irritation of the tendons and muscles that surround the hip.  The pain and inflammation is treated with rest, nonsteroidal anti inflammatories and physical therapy. A common tendon affected is the iliotibial band that runs along the outside of the hip down to the knee.

Labral tear: This is the breakdown or tearing of the cartilage  in the hip.  This is common in athletes and can also occur as arthritis begins.  People with labral tears often have pain with movement of the hip in the groin. Labral tears can be treated with a hip arthroscopy which Hamilton Orthopaedics will begin offering in September of 2013.

Fracture: People with a hip fracture usually have a recent history of a fall or trauma. Elderly people and especially females are more prone to hip fractures as the bones become weaker with age. Fractures are usually treated surgically.

Avascular necrosis: This can be caused by fracture, high dose steroid use and legg-calve-perthes disease. This occurs when there is lack of blood flowing to the hip bone. This often leads to early arthritis and can usually be treated with a total hip replacement

Lumbar pain: Pain radiating from the back is often described as hip pain or buttock pain. Physical exam and xrays of the hip are often normal which leads practitioners to look for other causes of pain. The usual source is the low back for example herniated discs.