The hip joint is the largest ball-and-socket joint in the human body

The hip joint is one of the largest and most important in the human body. It is a stabilizer that undergoes a great deal of wear and tear over time. It can be easy to take this incredible joint for granted, that is until you experience hip pain or discomfort.

Many people will experience some type of hip pain during their lifetime, but most cases are mild and either resolve on their own or with a little bit of treatment. Because the hip joint is such a large and complex joint, there can be many different conditions and issues that cause pain. The first step to finding relief and healing is knowing exactly where your pain is coming from. At Texas Partners Healthcare Group, we are dedicated to working closely with all of our patients. If you are experiencing pain and are unsure why, make an appointment with us today.

Top Symptoms of Hip Pain 

The hip joint is the largest ball-and-socket joint in the human body. It is built to stand up to repeated motion and regular wear and tear, while supporting and stabilizing the body. The ball-and-socket joint is what allows for mobility.

Whenever the hip joint is used – so pretty much anytime you are moving – there is a cushion of cartilage that works to protect the hip bone and prevent any friction. While it is true the hip joint is tenacious, it is not free of problems. It is susceptible to injury from wear and tear as we get older, and the muscles and tendons around the joint can suffer from overuse. Furthermore, the hip bones may fracture as a result of a fall, accident, or other injury.

Some of the most common symptoms of hip pain include:

• Discomfort in the thigh, groin, inside or outside of hip joint, buttocks, and low back
• Limping
• Loss of motion in the hip
• Swelling
• Difficulty sleeping
• Tenderness of the hip

What Causes Hip Pain? 

Hip pain does not discriminate, although it is more prevalent amongst older adults and athletes. It can hit at any time and have a serious impact on your overall health and wellness.

If your hips are sore and bothering you, the following conditions maybe be why:

• Arthritis – Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause hip pain, especially in seniors.
• Bursitis – If you are experiencing pain on the outside of your hip, thigh, or buttocks, it may be bursitis. This condition is characterized by an inflammation of the sacs that prevent your tendons and muscles from rubbing against the bone.
• Tendonitis – This condition is common amongst athletes. If you are experiencing pain or soreness in the hip flexor or groin when you move or touch the area, it could be tendonitis.
• Labral tears – The labrum is the piece of cartilage that protects the hip socket and keeps the thigh bone in place. When this cartilage tears, it can limit movement, and cause a locking, catching or clicking sensation in the hip that can be quite painful.

Treating Hip Pain 

The type of treatment you will require for hip pain will depend on a host of factors, including what is causing the pain and your medical history. As a pain management clinic, we strive to provide our patients with treatment options they can count on. We are strong advocates for regenerative medicine, such as stem cell therapy, trigger point injections, and more.

In many cases, hip pain can be treated with alternative therapies such as acupuncture, physical therapy, and massage. If this does not work, certain medications may provide relief until we can get the bottom of what is going on. Texas Partners Healthcare Group is the premier pain management clinic in Friso, and we believe in helping our patients find long-term solutions to their injuries or conditions, rather than simply masking the symptoms with drugs. If you are having difficulty moving your hip or leg, problems walking or bearing weight on your leg, or are experiencing sudden pain and swelling, please give us a call immediately and schedule an appointment.