6 Common Causes of Hip Pain
As a hard working person, you know that whoever decided that there should be a mere 24 hours in a day certainly wasn’t at the helm of a dynamic business or household. And we won’t even get started on the fact that a 7-day week is at least a handful of days short, or that there really is no such thing as a “weekend.”
However, sometimes working harder and longer isn’t the answer. And if the problem you’re striving to overcome is your acute or chronic hip pain, then unless you get some expert advice from a hip pain specialist, your workaholic approach could be causing serious long-term and life-changing damage. Here are six of the most common causes of hip pain:
- Bursitis
Bursitis is inflammation of small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that provide a cushion for muscles, tendons and bones around joints. There are two large bursae in the hip area that can get inflamed. One is located in the bony point of the hip (trochanteric bursitis). The other is in the inside of the hip (iliopsoas bursitis).
- Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs when inflammation in bones and joints causes the gradual deterioration of cartilage. While any joint may be susceptible to osteoarthritis, it typically occurs at the hands, spine, knees and hips. When targeting the hip, the thigh bone (femur) comes into contact with the inner socket of the hip and causes pain that tends to get worse with extended standing.
- Tendonitis
Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon, such as those at the shoulders, wrists, knees and hips (this is referred to as iliacus tendonitis or iliopsoas tendonitis). It is a common sports injury and workplace injury, and often results from overuse. When targeting the hip, it causes pain in the anterior hip and groin area, and may trigger an audible “pop” sound when the hip is extended.
- Osteonecrosis
Osteonecrosis results from the elimination of bone tissue caused by a loss of blood supply. While it can target various area of the body, it most commonly impacts the top of the thigh bone. Individuals who have a history of excessive alcohol consumption, or long-term users of steroids, are at greater risk of developing hip osteonecrosis.
- Hernia
Hernia results when part of the intestines protrude through a vulnerable area of the abdominal wall muscles. They can be caused by actions such as heavy lifting, excessive straining during bowel movements, obesity, and chronic coughing and sneezing. Most hernias require surgery to be repaired.
● Sciatica
Sciatica is a severe irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the human body. Pain is typically felt in the buttock and anterior hip. Common causes of sciatica include degenerative disc disease, lumbar disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and piriformis syndrome. Despite the fact that this is quite a painful condition, the good news is that most people don’t need surgery and with proper treatment can be pain free within a couple of months.
Don’t Take Chances
If you’re experiencing hip pain – even if the symptoms are mild at the moment – don’t take chances and put your health at risk; because you could be setting yourself up for a prolonged hospital stay, and that could put your entrepreneur plans on hold. Contact a qualified hip pain specialist and book an appointment. It could be the smartest health and business decision you make all year!