More than 1 in 5 Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis by a doctor, and hips are among the most commonly affected regions. There are several conditions that contribute to hip pain. Visiting an orthopedic specialist can help you get an accurate diagnosis and find a treatment plan that works for you. Consider the following possible causes of hip pain:
1. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common condition among older adults, but it can happen to a person of any age. This condition occurs when the cartilage between bones breaks down. In the hip joint, cartilage typically forms a cushion between the pelvis and head of the femur (thigh bone). If this cartilage cushion breaks down, the result may be pain, loss of movement and hip stiffness.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune condition, meaning that the body’s immune system has mistakenly begun to attack the membranes lining joints. This leads to hip pain, swelling, warmth in the hip joint and redness. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic degenerative condition, meaning that it may increase in severity over time.
3. Lyme disease
Lyme disease doctors know that this infection can cause issues beyond a skin rash. Lyme disease occurs when a tick bites your skin and infects your body with the bacteria B. burgdorferi. Lyme disease can become a systemic condition that leads to an extensive skin rash, flu-like symptoms and swelling in the joints. This may lead to significant hip pain.
4. Gout
The body naturally produces a waste product called uric acid. When too much of this compound is circulating through the blood, it begins to form small crystals in the joints. In some cases, these crystals can impact the hip joint and cause serious hip pain.
5. Lupus
Another autoimmune disease, lupus occurs when your own immune system begins to attack your healthy tissue. Systemic lupus is associated with chronic pain and fatigue. It can lead to inflammation of the hip and other joints, causing significant pain.
6. Sciatica
The sciatic nerve is the longest in the human body, running from the lower spinal cord to the foot. When this nerve becomes compressed, it causes inflammation and significant pain. Many patients report that sciatic feels like a sharp, burning pain radiating from the hip.
Hip pain doesn’t have to impede your everyday functioning. To discuss treatment options, visit the best Long Island osteoporosis and arthritis center at Peconic Bay Medical Center. Our orthopedic specialists can help you manage hip pain and resume your everyday activities.