Hip Pain

While there are a variety of different causes for hip pain you are more likely to experience it as you get older. The symptoms you experience and the type of sensation you have will indicate what the underlying cause is likely to be and help diagnose your specific problem. If you are over the age of 45 and you notice that your movements are getting more difficult, your joints have swollen and are tender, you have stiffness, loss of mobility, or you hear cracking or grating sounds when you move, it could be a sign of osteoarthritis a common complaint that causes pain in the joint when you move. You may find that your symptoms come and go, or they may be constant and interfere with your daily activities.

You are more at risk of developing osteoarthritis if you are female, particularly if you are overweight as this extra weight can put a strain on the joints. Diagnosis for osteoarthritis may include ordering blood tests or x-rays to confirm the condition, this will also rule out conditions that may have similar symptoms like fractures or rheumatoid arthritis. Unfortunately, osteoarthritis is a long-term condition, managing symptoms to lessen the discomfort or pain are helpful but in severe cases surgery may be recommended to replace the hip joint entirely.