What Are the Causes of Hip Problems?

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.