Arthritis causes most chronic hip pain
and disability. The hip is a ball-and-socket
joint, with tissue that cushions and
allows the ball and socket to move freely.
Wear and tear and repetitive motion can
cause inflammation and break-down within
that tissue, which can be a cause of arthritis
of the hip.
Hip Bursitis is also
a common cause of hip pain. There is
a large cushion, called a bursa, covering
and cushioning the point of the hip,
which is an important attachment point
for muscles that allow the hip joint
to move. The bursa can become irritated
or inflamed, causing pain that can radiate
into the groin area. When this occurs,
the condition is called " hip
bursitis ".
Hip Replacement may be
recommended by your doctor when pain and
stiffness limit your daily actvities, and
anti-inflammatory medications and gait
aids (such as canes or walkers) cease to
be effective. Relieving pain and improving
mobility is your doctor's primary concern.
Although many patients who undergo hip
replacement surgery are age 60 to 80, orthopedic
surgeons evaluate patients individually,
and their recommendations won't just be
based on age. Activities of daily life
generally improve significantly after hip
replacement.
