Hip pain is something that many people complain about but the root cause is not always the same. There are a number of potential causes for chronic hip pain and so a proper diagnosis is advisable in order to get the right treatment. It may be due to a muscular dysfunction or may relate to circulatory inflammation issues or joint problems or any or all of these at the same time.

The most common cause of hip pain

The most common cause of pain in the hip is arthritis and this can be either degenerative osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The first of these is usually called ‘wear and tear’ because that’s just what it is, the wear and tear of the joints and cartilage around them over time. This is usually a natural and gradual progression over time which can be made worse by being overweight. The symptoms can be a bit up and down and sufferers often report having good or bad days, weeks or even months at a time. The wear and tear process may also be quickened by excessive use as often happens in high impact sports such as football or running with hurdle jumps, so even fit and younger people can suffer from this problem. Muscles, ligaments and tendons that keep the joints flexible and responsive may become inflamed if over-exerted due to the extra stress in this area.

Another cause of hip pain may be damage such as a fracture, caused by an accident. The pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis is most often experienced when rising from a rest position, turning in bed and walking more than a few steps. Walking can also be difficult through stiffness or sharp pains and this can result in limping and subsequently also back problems as the spine changes its alignment to compensate.

Taking anti-inflammatories and supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin can help, together with a program of physio to tone the supporting muscles. However in more severe cases, surgery may be the only option. degenerative arthritis, when it reaches the end stages may require hip replacement surgery, which is nevertheless very successful and can re-establish mobility with no more pain.

The inflammatory condition, rheumatoid arthritis affects the whole system and can affect areas such as the lungs as well as the joints and joint membranes. It is often experienced as stiffness and swelling of the joints and can often make you feel tired and may also be associated with difficulty in sleeping and sweating. The pain can go up and down with intermittent ‘flare ups’ interspersed with quieter periods. Over time joints can become deformed. Remedies include gentle exercise with periods of rest when necessary and pain killing medications and anti-inflammatories.

Other common causes of hip pain:

* hip bursitis or inflammation of the bursae, which are fluid filled sacs that normally act to provide a cushioning effect for the joint

* viruses or indeed anything that leads to inflammation in the body

* the side effects of cetain medications such as corticosteroids

* sleep problems, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia

* referred pain from a herniated disc, where the cushion situated between the spinal vertebra is protrudes beyond its normal position

* referred pain from sciatica, or irritation of the sciatic nerve

To find out more about hip pain causes and symptoms and for informative reviews of the various treatment options available, both conventional and alternative, click on this link www.causeofchronichippain.com

Bookmark to: