Hip pain is not exclusive to those with osteoporosis or the hip fractures in the elderly population. Many women have hip, pelvis, and sciatic nerve pain, especially during pregnancy or after childbirth due to the stretching of tendons and separation of the hips that occurs. Some people have genetic predispositions to hip dysplasia, which requires surgery. Car accidents or major falls can also cause damage to the hip joint and muscles, which may require surgery.

Conditions and Treatment of the hip joint

Acetabular dysplasia is a condition defined by inadequate development of an individual's acetabulum, which is defined by shallow and "dish shaped" acetabulum rather than "cup shaped". The upper portion (roof) of the acetabulum is obliquely inclined outward rather than having the normal horizontal orientation. This congenital defect results in the superior and anterior femoral head not having enough coverage which causes severe articular and rim cartilage degeneration and even fracture of the of the rim of the acetabulum if it is not corrected with Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO).

PAO is a surgical treatment for acetabular dysplasia that preserves and enhances the patient's own hip joint rather than replacing it with an artificial part. The goal is to alleviate the patient's hip pain, restore function, and maximize the functional life of their dysplastic hip.

Athletic related issues

Runners often have hip problems occur from the tremendous demand they place on their hips. High impact activities can cause hip stress fractures and a host of other injuries. Tendonitis and Snapping hip syndrome have three main causes. Iliotibial Band Syndrome is cause when the thick, fibrous band that is attached to thigh muscles and spans from the hip to the shin becomes inflamed and tender. If the iliotibial band and hip are not rested sufficiently, this syndrome can progress into Hip Bursitis. The painful condition of Hip Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa sac over the outside of the hip joint and it can be extremely painful with every step.

Iliopsoas Tendon Snap is caused by the tendon catching on the pelvis bone which creates a popping sound. This is usually painless and does not cause complications. Hip Labral Tears occur less frequently in snapping hip syndrome. Labral tears occur when a loose flap of cartilage catches on the joint that can be felt, but it rarely creates that classic popping sound that Iliotibal band syndrome and Iliopsoas tendon snap create.

Hip diseases and related complications

Avascular necrosis (AVN) can be a particularly debilitating disease that causes disruption in the blood supply to the bone around the hip, knee or shoulder, and it can ultimately cause the bone around the hip to collapse and cause Hip osteonecrosis where the joint cartilage breaks down as well. The idiopathy of AVN is not known, but certain risk factors increase the likelihood of complications including alcoholism, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, sickle cell anemia, and caisson disease. Many patients suffering from AVN require total hip replacement.

Causes of Hip Pain and its related conditions are often associated with aging. Prevention through proper nutrition with rest and rebabilitation of the joint and related ligaments, muscles and tendons can relieve symptoms and prolong the quality of your life and hip joints.