You might think the symptoms of a worn out hip joint include aches, pains, and even creaks from the hip itself. However, as we’re about to find out, this may not be the case. Join us as we explore the symptoms and solutions of a worn hip.
A worn hip joint is typically when the cartilage and soft tissue around the hip socket breaks down. This can cause pain, discomfort, and inflammation in various different areas, from the knee to the pelvic bone.
There are a number of factors that can cause a hip joint to wear. One of the most common of these is hip osteoarthritis (the most common form of hip arthritis). The causes of this condition are not fully known but contributing factors include obesity, hip trauma and a family medical history of hip issues.
Among the other factors to take into account are sports injuries (usually from high-impact sports) and other types of arthritis. These include rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis.
If you’re experiencing hip pain, try our hip suitability quiz. It will give you an idea of whether you’d benefit from booking a consultation with one of our hip specialists.
The following are common symptoms and signs of a worn hip joint:
It’s likely the pain and discomfort you experience will feel stronger and last for longer. It may also become less responsive to painkillers and physiotherapy.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms highlighted above, then you may have a deteriorating hip joint. You should contact your GP as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can book a consultation with a Practice Plus Group hip specialist.
A hip that has deteriorated to the point where a replacement is recommended will likely be causing a lot of pain and discomfort, even while resting. The pain itself may feel dull and throbbing or sharp stabbing depending on the type of hip issue you have and what’s causing it.
The majority of hip pain is felt in or around the hip joint or in the buttock or groin. However, some people report discomfort in other areas of the body. These include the:
You should contact your GP or book a consultation if you are experiencing the following:
“I had been quite sure my knee was the issue but my consultant did thorough tests and even offered me a steroid injection to show it was the hip.”
“I decided to take his advice that a hip replacement was the answer and we booked the surgery.”
Mike Rajkovic, hip surgery patient, Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough
Initially, your GP or a consultant may recommend conservative methods to treat hip pain. These may range from over-the-counter pain relief to physiotherapy exercises. If these prove ineffective, the next stage may be a hip replacement. If this has been recommended to you, be sure to ask your doctor any questions you may have about hip surgery
At first, your doctor may recommend a course of pain medication to help manage your hip discomfort. These will likely be prescribed painkillers that are available over-the-counter at a pharmacy.
Alongside pain medication, your doctor may also suggest a course of physiotherapy to help manage your hip pain. You should make every effort to attend your classes and do the exercises set out for you.
If physio and pain relief prove ineffective, the next step may be injections. If necessary, your doctor will be able to recommend steroid injections. These can be painful as they’re injected directly into the joint. They are anti-inflammatory and are designed to treat painful, swollen joints.
If all else proves ineffective or fails, your doctor may recommend surgery. Although a daunting prospect, total hip replacement surgery is an extremely common procedure which replaces the original joint with an artificial hip. From booking your hip surgery to the benefits and risks of the operation, Practice Plus Group has got you covered.