Hip problems can literally cripple you if the pain gets too heavy and the movement too restricted. These ailments can come about from a number of different causes, most of which can be treated with surgery, physical therapy or medication.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a major cause of hip problems, especially with older people. Types of arthritis include osteoarthristis, which affects bones; rheumatoid arthritis, which affects joints; traumatic arthritis, caused by repeated trauma, and a host of others.
Fractures
A broken or cracked pelvis or hip bone can also stir up hip problems. Falling is a major cause for these fractures and those affected may not always be immediately aware the fractures exist.
Inflammation
Hip problems are also the byproduct of an inflammation of the hip's surrounding tissues and joints. Bursitis is marked by an inflamed bursa, or the sac between the tendons; tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons; and synovitis is the swelling of the joint lining.
Other
Athletes may also fall prey to hip problems through injuries such as micro-tears, sprains or strains in the muscles surrounding the hip area. One more cause may be a long-term regimen of cortisone injections.
Children
Hip problems may strike children due to a hip congenital dislocation. Perthes' disease, marked by insufficient blood to the top of the femur and mainly affecting boys ages 5 through 10, is another cause.
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