Hip Joint Disorder

What is Hip Joint Disorder?

The hip is a ball and socket joint that attaches the leg to the torso of the body. The joint is lined with cartilage and a labrum to ensure painless and smooth hip movement when we walk and run. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are some of the more common causes of hip pain, especially in older adults. Hip arthritis arises when the cartilage of the hip joint gradually erodes and without the cushioning effect of cartilage, it becomes painful when the bones of the hip joint rub together. As a result, the hip can't move easily and becomes stiff, swollen, and painful. It can be debilitating as it affects mobility and movement in day-to-day activities.

Other factors that may be affecting the hip include

• Inflammatory arthritis of the joints
• Avascular necrosis is where the femoral head of the hip loses a healthy supply of blood, causing the ball joint head to become misshapen
• When the bones around the hip did not form properly, causing misalignment of the hip joint

What are the symptoms of Hip Joint Disorder?

Symptoms of Hip Joint Disorders may include: 

• Pain when standing or walking short distances
• Pain in the groin, thigh, or buttock area
• The affected hip feeling stiff or tight
• Limping or favouring the opposite leg to avoid weighing on the affected hip
• Pain when trying to put weight on the affected side

What causes Hip Joint Disorder?

There are several conditions that may cause hip problems such as:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Anklyosing Spondilitis
• Irritable hip syndrome
• Muscle injuries and strains

How is Hip Joint Disorder diagnosed?

Imaging Tests
Imaging tests such as X-ray provides dense structures of the bones. Your physician may order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or a computerized tomography (CT) scan to help determine the condition of the bone and soft tissues of your hip. MRI can show some of the signs of osteoarthritis, including whether cartilage is wearing away. It can also detect symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. However, your doctor will also a blood test as part of the diagnosis.