Hip Pain Basics in Vacaville

Around 76 million people in the United States have reported that they experienced some sort of pain. However, hip pain did not make it to the top four types of pain, which are lower back pain, headache, neck pain, and face pain. It has been reported that 15% of people aged 65 and older have hip pain, but that number is only half compared to those who complain about knee pain.

An abnormality or injury in your hip can radiate down, which causes an aching pain in your hip joint, down your thigh, or in your groin area. A hip injury may or may not cause hip pain, but it can actually stem from an injury in another area of the body.

The most common causes of hip pain in Vacaville

While hip pain in Vacaville is common among the elderly, it can affect all ages, including children. These are the most common causes of hip pain:

• Infection
• Hip fracture
• Aseptic necrosis (not enough blood flowing to the hip)
• Pain or injury in the lower back
• Fall or another injury of the hip
• Sprain or strain of the muscles in the hip joint
• Arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis
• Bursitis, or inflammation of the bursae (the small, fluid-filled sacs that allows your joints to move smoothly)

Understanding osteoarthritis

About 10 million people have osteoarthritis, which commonly affects the hips and the knee. Those who belong in the overweight and obese range are those who are more likely to develop arthritis.

The most frequent cause of hip fractures is osteoarthritis, wherein an overwhelming 97% of hip replacements are due to hip fractures from osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is also the reason why 70% of hip replacements happen other than hip fractures.

When hip fracture is the case

A hip fracture can develop pain in the thigh and groin in addition to movement restriction of the hip joint, which is a very serious injury that may require immediate medical attention. Older people are those who are likely to fracture their hip, and that risk rises as they continue to age. Apart from the elderly, people who are at risk of hip fracture or hip pain are those who:

• Have cancer
• Are overweight or obese
• Have sickle cell anemia
• Drink too much alcohol
• Are taking steroids long-term
• Have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
• Have a family history of osteoarthritis
• Have an injury to the hip or lower back

Whether your hip pain is caused by an infection, inflammation, or injury, just know that they can be managed and should be prevented early to avoid missing out on your daily activities. Through medication and therapy, you can find relief for your hip pain. And if you are at risk for hip fracture and hip pain, you should protect your bone and joint health with weight-bearing exercise and lots of calcium and vitamin D.

If ever you require some professional help for your hip pain, come visit us here at Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine in Vacaville, CA. Just dial (707) 474-5688 to get an appointment and get treated by us today!