A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
Y
Skeleton
Skeleton

Hip pain
Definition:
Hip pain involves any pain in or around the hip joint.

Alternative Names:
Pain - hip

Considerations:
The anatomy of the hip (which is a ball and socket joint) is prone to two basic problems.
  • The narrow neck of the thigh bone (femur) can break. This is often what happens when an older person falls and breaks a hip.
  • The "ball" part of the femur must get its blood through the narrow neck that joins with the pelvis. The small artery that supplies the head of the femur can close off, leading to death of the bone and a type of arthritis.
Hip pain is often felt in the middle of the thigh, whereas low back pain is often felt in the region of the hip and may radiate down the thigh laterally toward the knee.

Because the hip joint is so deeply located, it can often be difficult to identify the exact source of pain.
Common Causes:
Home Care:

Try to avoid activities that are painful or that aggravate the hip pain.

Avoid taking pain medication as much as possible, because you may engage in activities that stress or injure the joint if you do not feel pain. Take anti-inflammatory medication as recommended or prescribed by your health care provider.

As the pain improves, gradually begin to exercise (consisting mostly of stretching and rotation). Swimming stretches the muscles and builds good muscle tone and is recommended after the pain goes away. Cycling or walking can be resumed gradually.

Call your health care provider if:

The following list includes reasons to call your health care provider:

  • Hip pain is caused by trauma, such as a fall or other injury.
  • Hip pain persists after 1 week of home treatment.
  • The pain is associated with a fever.
  • The pain is severe.
  • The hip is unable to bear any weight.
  • Walking is impossible.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:

Your health care provider will obtain your medical history and will perform a physical examination.

Medical history questions documenting your hip pain may include the following:

  • Distribution
    • Is the pain in both hips (symmetrical)?
    • Does the pain shift from the hip to other joints (migrating)?
    • Is the pain in the hip and thigh?
  • Time pattern
    • Did the symptom begin suddenly, or slowly and mildly?
    • Did the symptom resolve spontaneously in less than 6 weeks?
    • Did the hip pain begin after an injury or accident?
  • Quality
    • Did the pain begin in the hip?
    • Did the pain begin in the back and then radiate to the hip?
    • How severe is the pain?
  • Other
    • What other symptoms are present?
    • Can you walk?

Physical examination will include particular attention to the hip and its range of motion. X-rays of the hip may be necessary.

Anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed or the dosage increased. Surgery for total hip replacement may be recommended. This operation is almost always successful in stopping pain and may help mobility considerably. An artificial hip should last at least 10 to 15 years with current technology.

Complications from surgery are not uncommon. Deep venous thrombosis is the most common complication.
Review Date: 11/13/2002
Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, M.D., Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU/Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com