Your hip is a ball and socket joint. The top of the thighbone is the ball, and the socket is in the pelvic bone. Between the ball and socket sits smooth, slippery cartilage that allows the two bones to glide against each other. On top of the cartilage is a thin lining called synovium. This makes synovial fluid, which provides additional lubrication between the ball and socket. These bones make up the hip joint and are held together by tendons, muscles, and ligaments.

Damage to any of these hip joint components can cause pain that impacts your day-to-day movements. If that pain becomes prologued or consistent, it's time to see an orthopaedic joint specialist.

Common Reasons for Hip Pain

The most common cause of hip pain in older adults is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage — the smooth, slippery surface between the ball and socket — begins to wear down. This can cause the following symptoms in your hip:

• Pain

• A grinding sensation

• Stiffness

• Hip locking or sticking

• Decreased range of motion

Hip osteoarthritis typically occurs as a result of aging, but previous orthopaedic injuries to the hip and a family history of osteoarthritis can also increase someone’s chances of developing the disease.

Other conditions that could cause your hip to hurt include:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An immune disease that can attack the synovium lining in the hip joint.

• Sciatica: A inflammation or compression of the nerve that runs from the spine to the hip and down the back of the leg.

• Bursitis: When the fluid-filled sacs that sit between the hip joint's bones, muscles, and tendons of the hip joint get swollen and irritated. 

Hip pain can also be the result of an injury, such as a hip strain, dislocation, or fracture. Whether the pain is the result of orthopaedic trauma or a chronic condition, there are several methods for treating these hip issues so you can get back to doing the activities you love.

Treatment For Hip Pain

The first step for treating hip pain is RICE:

• Rest

• Ice

• Compression 

• Elevation

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen, can be used to treat pain and inflammation in the hip. However, if home care doesn’t impact your symptoms, it’s time to make an appointment with an orthopaedic physician. 

If your hip pain results from chronic conditions, such as osteoarthritis, a joint replacement specialist can review your medical history and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. At The Steadman Clinic, Dr. Cafferky and his team will always recommend nonsurgical methods whenever possible. These could include:

• Lifestyle modifications

• Physical therapy

• Medications 

• Steroid Injections

If your chronic condition is causing debilitating hip pain or conservative treatment has no impact, Dr. Caffkery will discuss hip replacement surgery. 

Hip Pain? Contact Team Cafferky Today!

If you are experiencing hip pain, request a consultation with Dr. Cafferky at his team today! Make your appointment by calling (970) 476-1100 or use Dr. Caffkery’s online contact form.