Hip Pain

Sports injuries involving tears of the covering (capsule and labrum) of the hip joint may cause hip pain in athletes and young active individuals.

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the Hip - This occurs due to reduction in the blood supply of the head of the femur. This leads to flattening and deformation of the femoral head, which in turn causes increased friction, and breakdown of the cartilage of both the ball and the socket. This is the most common cause of hip arthritis. This is seen more frequently in males between 20 to 40 years of age. Risk factors for AVN of the hip include excessive alcohol consumption, use of oral corticosteroids (Used most commonly for treatment of bronchial asthma, inflammatory bowel disease etc).

Rheumatoid arthritis of the Hip - This is the second most frequent cause of hip arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is more commonly known to affect multiple, small joints of the hands and feet, but not uncommonly it may affect larger joints such as the hip, knee and spine. Inflammation of the joint synovium (fat) which in turn causes destruction of cartilage and bone leading to deformities, is the hallmark of this disease.

Post traumatic arthritis Arthritis of the hip joint is also known to occur after a fracture or dislocation of the hip joint. The most frequent causes are after fracture of the ball or the socket.

Hip pain – Pain arising from the hip is often also felt in the buttocks, groin, knees and lower back
Stiffness and limp
Restriction of movements and activities of daily living such as getting in and out of the chair and bending forwards
Difficulty in sitting cross legged, squatting, using indian toilet, climbing stairs and walking for long distance