Hip Pain
The hip is a region of the body that contains important muscle groups, and hip pain is a common health problem.
Hip pain often occurs in older adults, and the fact that the hip joint is the most frequently used joint during the day also increases the risk of pain. These pains manifest themselves with various symptoms such as walking, moving, and bending, as they can be caused by different reasons.
Different methods can be applied to treat hip pain that prevents daily activities, depending on the source of the problem.
What Are Hip Pains?
Hip pain is a sensation of pain that occurs when the hip joints are moved or held still. These pains sometimes affect only one side, and in some cases, they are felt on both sides. Hip pain does not always indicate a serious problem, and it can sometimes occur as a result of prolonged inactivity or straining during certain movements.
In addition, sudden and awkward movements can also lead to hip pain. These types of pains are usually self-resolving and do not require any treatment.
However, in cases of long-lasting hip pain, it is important to see a specialist, as various tests are necessary to understand the source of this type of pain.
What Causes Hip Pain?
The hip joint is one of the most frequently used joints in the body, and it is therefore not easily worn out even with intense exercise and demanding movements. The hip is composed of a socket-shaped hip bone covered with cartilage tissue that allows movement.
Cartilage tissue helps to prevent the joints from rubbing against each other during activities such as walking and running. On the other hand, wear and tear can occur due to some movements that excessively strain the cartilage tissue, severe injuries, and aging.
In addition, fractures can occur due to problems such as osteoporosis. All of these types of problems can lead to hip pain.
Hip pain can originate from the hip joint, the tissues surrounding the hip, the lower back, or internal organs. It is possible for the pain to occur in the front, back, or outside of the hip. In some cases, it can spread to the knee.
Hip pain observed in infancy and childhood;
- Developmental problems,
- Microbial diseases of the hip,
- Dislocations in the hip joint,
- It may be due to causes such as inflammatory joint rheumatism.
Hip pain in youth and middle age is usually caused by inflammatory joint rheumatism that increases after rest and is felt at night. In the elderly;
- Osteoarthritis,
- Hip fractures,
- Malignant diseases,
- Muscle strains,
- It develops due to causes such as tendonitis and bursitis.
In addition to these; herniated discs and various internal organ problems can also cause hip pain. Excessive weight gained as a result of wrong eating habits and sedentary life causes hip joints to be strained and herniated discs to form.
In particular, hip arthritis, which develops in women over the age of 50, is also a common cause of hip pain. In addition, some diabetic patients also experience pain in the joint area and legs.
Hip pain can occur in cases of excessive strain, weight lifting, and straining the hip area. If the pain in the hip goes down to the leg and is accompanied by numbness, it is possible that there is a problem caused by sciatica pain.
Diagnostic Methods In Hip Pain
Hip pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including normal pains that go away on their own, as well as much more serious causes. Therefore, it is important to know the exact source of the pain in order to relieve the pain.
For this reason, it is necessary to consult a specialist, especially if there is long-term hip pain. To correctly diagnose the problem, the patient’s detailed history is first listened to and the following imaging methods may be used:
- X-ray: It is used to visualize the bones and helps to understand whether the pain is caused by bone fractures or injuries.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): It allows the detection of soft tissue problems.
- Computed tomography (CT): It is applied using X-rays and provides a 3D image of the hip. This helps to determine whether the pain is caused by joint deformities.
- Blood test: It is necessary for differential diagnosis if it is thought that hip pain is caused by rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or infection.
How Does Hip Pain Pass?
The treatment of hip pain depends on the cause of the pain. In cases of hip pain caused by overuse, inactivity, or improper movement, applying ice to the affected area can help to relieve pain.
Massaging the hip and releasing muscle knots in the area can also help to relieve pain. For people who exercise regularly, avoiding strenuous movements and warming up before exercising and stretching after exercising can help to prevent hip pain.
In addition to these, the following methods can also be effective in relieving hip pain:
- Weight control
- Healthy eating
- Exercises that support the hip and lower back
- Rest and relaxation during pain periods
- Strengthening exercises to help strengthen muscles
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements to help strengthen bones
In cases of long-term hip pain that does not go away despite these measures, it is recommended to use pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs in the first stage.
In cases where the pain does not go away and a problem is detected with imaging methods, treatment is tailored to the problem, and the patient may be asked to participate in regular physical therapy and rehabilitation if necessary.
Pain-relieving exercises performed with the help of an expert usually eliminate hip pain. In some patients, various injections can be effective in repairing physical deformities in the area and resolving problems with bones and joints.
In cases where the pain does not improve in any way, surgical operation is performed. The planned treatment process is monitored by a specialist physician and is applied according to the patient’s condition. At this stage, it may also be necessary to take additional supplements and medications as recommended by the physician.
