Perhaps you’re getting older, or you just got a strenuous new job. Whatever the reason why your hips hurt, we know it can be a real pain.
Interesting fact? The hip is the body’s largest ball-and-socket joint, and it is designed to support movement in all directions. This joint is located right at your body’s center of balance, and it plays a major role in supporting you when standing, sitting, or walking. Naturally, the hip joint is quite resilient. A bed of cartilage prevents friction in your hips when you engage in activity, however, with age and injury, this natural mechanism can become less effective. In addition to the wearing down of cartilage, the bones in your hip can be broken or dislocated, and it is not uncommon for the muscles and tendons in that region to get tight and knotted up. All these are possible causes of hip pain. New Jersey has some of the best healthcare specialists in the country. It would be best if you consult with NJ’s hip pain specialist if you are suffering from hip pain or any other joint pain.
Why do my hips hurt? 5 possible reasons why
- Age and overuse
It is natural for our muscles and cartilage to wear down with age. This is the leading reason why many older adults suffer from mobility problems. Additionally, your hip bones can get more brittle with age, causing them to break easily from accidents and falls.
Hip pain from muscle overuse is also commonly observed in adults with stiff tendons. As you get older, your tendons get less flexible, leading to soreness and inflammation: a condition called Tendonitis.
- Injury
Your hip bones may break or get dislodged as a result of sports or strenuous activity. If you have sustained an activity-related hip injury, it is crucial to seek the services of a hip pain specialist.
- Arthritis & bursitis
Arthritis can affect any joint in the body. It is caused by a combination of lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors, and when it affects the hips, it can lead to stiffness, pain, and difficulty with mobility.
Bursitis is another condition that may affect the hip area. It is caused by an inflammation of the bursae (the sacs that cushion the joints) and can lead to pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
- Poor blood circulation
You may be aware of the more common causes of hip pain, but did you know that pain in your hips may also be caused by poor blood circulation?
The flow of blood to your hip can slow down, and consequently, the tissue in that region may start to die. This is known as avascular necrosis, and it largely affects the hips.
- Muscle strain
It is possible to engage in activities that strain the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the hip area to the extent that they get knotted up and inflamed. This can cause both mild and severe hip pain.
What can you do about hip pain?
Fortunately, there are a variety of options available to you for the treatment of hip pain. One option is an NCV/EMG test. These tests can isolate the cause and location of nerve and muscle damage causing hip pain.
You may also consider arthroscopy – a minimally invasive surgical procedure for the treatment of hip pain. Arthroscopy can help a doctor diagnose the problem and offer the best solution immediately.
Another great option to consider is joint or trigger point injections. Here, the specialist will inject medication directly into the joint to help with pain and reduce inflammation. Massage therapy also works by promoting blood flow and decreasing muscle tension.
If the cause of hip pain is diagnosed as a varicose vein, then vein ablation is a great option to consider. Here, a specialist uses radiofrequency waves on the affected area to promote blood flow. Acupuncture may also help to ease hip pain by stimulating endorphins.
In at-home cases, cold and hot compresses may alleviate hip pain temporarily. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help before medical help is available. It is important to note that some cases require surgical intervention, however, surgery is reserved for severe cases that require joint replacement or tissue repair.
These solutions will help you keep your hips in tip-top shape regardless of whether you are a seasoned athlete or a desk-bound professional.
