Hip Pain

2015-06-03

Common hip joint pain

The hip joint is located at pelvis and femur bone. This is a rotational joint that allows us to lift our legs forward, outward, inward, and backward. There is a cartilage on the top of the femur and the cartilage is to help reduce the pressure on the body and the leg movement. The outer layer of the hip joint has different ligaments and muscles that strengthen each other and support the movement and weight of the hip joint. (Pictures 1 to 3)

Degenerative arthritis

As we age, all bones in the body will gradually degenerate. Since the hip joint is generally used to support the body’s weight, the strain is heavier than other joints, which can easily lead to hip joint degeneration. However, it is also possible that patients who have had hip joint trauma will also be prone to early signs of degeneration. Generally, hip joint pain can be classified as injury or acquired degeneration.

Degenerative hip arthritis usually affects only one joint. The patient feels only a little pain in the early stage, and then gradually progresses to very painful. In particular, when the hip joint is tight after walking or activities or in the morning, it may turn to one side when walking, and the leg cannot rotate internally and the joint is very painful. The pain is severe (not external or tingling), usually after a short rest, the patient feels better again. From the X-rays, it can be seen that the hip joint space is significantly reduced. (Picture 4)

Osteonecrosis at the femur head

Since head of femur is connected to the hip joint, if the femur bone has osteonecrosis,  hip joint pain will also occur. Insufficient blood circulation in this area caused death in the femur head. The majority of patients are between 25 and 45 years old, and 40%-70% of patients will eventually feel pain in both hip joints. Excessive alcohol and taking steroid drugs can seriously affect this condition. The patient has no pain symptoms in the early stage, but feels that the hip joint is a little tight. In the later stage, when the femur head is completely degenerate, the hip joint pain occur and is similar to the symptoms of degenerative arthritis. (Figure 5)

Tumor

Whether the tumor is benign or malignant in the hip joint, it can cause hip joint pain. Tumors can be seen on X-rays or scans. A metal prosthesis surgery may needed.

Treatment

In general, if the condition of the hip joint is severely degenerated, surgery can be performed with a metal prosthesis. However, if the degeneration is not serious or the hip joint pain caused by trauma, the chiropractor will help the patient to correct the patient posture and hip joints with manual therapy, and use electrotherapy, ultrasound, and cold compresses to relieve pain and stimulate blood circulation there. Instruct the patient to stretch the inner and outer thighs. Treatment mainly helps patients to slow down the degree of degeneration and relieve pain.