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Writer's pictureDr. George Cheriyan, DO

Why Do I Have Chronic Hip Pain?

Hip pain can be a long-term problem that hinders normal mobility and makes it hard for you to have a good time, wherever you are. Regardless of whether you are walking, standing, or sometimes even sitting, hip pain can affect your quality of life. 


As you will discover in this article, there are numerous potential causes for hip pain. By knowing what these chronic hip pains may be attributed to, you’re one step closer to knowing what your body is going through and finding blessed relief through osteopathy.



Arthritis

Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, can be the underlying reason for chronic hip pain. This condition is characterized by the progressive wearing out of cartilage that forms the hip joint. When cartilage debases, it generates abrasion, which in turn generates pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the bones in the joint. 


Bursitis

The body has small fluid-filled sacs known as bursae that increase the thickness of your bones, tendons, and muscles. However, when these sacs get inflamed or swollen, then this causes a problem referred to as bursitis. 


Hip bursitis causes sharp, severe pain and sometimes can only be relieved by getting up from the position that aggravates it or when lying on the affected side. This inflammation is caused by repeated movements or excessive pressure on the hip.


Labral tear

The labrum is a circular area containing cartilage that surrounds the hip joint and serves to both act as a shock absorber and facilitate the motion of the joint. 

Labral tears may occur due to injury, hip impingement, wear and tear, etc. You may have pain in the hip that reaches deep into the bone, hearing a clicking or locking in the joint during twisting movements. 


A labral tear may cause you to have a reduced ability to bend or move in certain ways, and you may feel that certain movements are painful.


Avascular necrosis

Osteonecrosis or avascular necrosis is a condition in which there is a disconnection of blood supply at the hip bone. 


If the nutrients and oxygen do not reach the bone tissue, it becomes fragile, and the bone tissue dies, which can cause pain and even joint failure.  This condition can result from injury, prolonged use of steroids, or alcoholism.


Referred pain

A referred pain is a pain in the joint experienced from another area, such as the lower back or groin. For instance, sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed, and this leads to pain that shoots from the back, through the hip, or around the leg.


Leg length difference

If your legs are only slightly unequal, your hip joint will suffer additional pressure, which will cause you pain in the long run.


This is because the leg on the shorter side is put under more weight pressure to counterbalance, which causes discomfort and, sometimes, hip discomfort if the issue isn’t resolved.


Get relief for your chronic hip pain

Living with chronic hip pain is never easy. It affects your mobility, relationships, and the quality of your life. If left untreated, it will only get worse.


Start your journey to a life free from hip pain by booking an appointment today. The Osteohealer™ will evaluate the cause of your hip pain and create a treatment plan that helps you feel better. 

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