Hip pain may be more common than you think

Hip pain may be more common than you think

Experts say that you are not alone when it comes to hip pain and the long-term ailments that may come with it.

According to a recent issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthoapedic Surgeons (JAAOS), an estimated one in four people will have hip arthritis in their lifetime by age 85.

The journal defines hip arthritis as a degenerative injury to the hip joint and its surfaces, generally developing by age 85, causing pain in the groin area.

The JAAOS reports that hip arthritis can result in patients who have had an injury playing sports, past hip surgery, bone or soft tissue infection, birth defect, growth or development issues or even a trauma incident that involved hip injury. They also note that groin pain may be a significant side effect of a more serious hip injury.

“Individuals experiencing sudden, onset groin pain associated with trauma or bowel/bladder dysfunction, symptoms like fevers or abdominal discomfort should promptly seek medical attention,” said lead author of the study, Dr. Juan C. Suarez. “But, those with chronic pain, despite time and conservative management, also warrant evaluation.”

Study authors say that symptoms should not be ignored and should be brought to the attention of your doctor so that they can determine the best treatment plan.

The JAAOS advises that athletes in sports such as soccer, hockey, running, and basketball should be aware that they are at an increased risk for hip injuries, like hip arthritis.

“Depending on where your pain is, your restrictions of movement and in what activities, it could mean a number of things,” says Dr. Steven Louis, orthopedic surgeon at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Ill. “It could be a hernia, kidney stones, a pinched nerve, colon issues, arthritis, a pulled muscle or even cartilage tears inside the hip.”

“It’s important to try and figure out what is most likely the cause and how we can treat it,” he says.

He says that no matter what age, if you are having pain in your groin that isn’t going away, see your doctor to ensure it is nothing serious.

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Comments

2 Comments

  1. This is a really great article. I do agree that hip pain is more common than people think it to be. I have been experiencing it more and more frequently. Now that you mentioned it, I think it may be due to injuries I suffered while playing football back in high school. My doctors believe that I may have mild forms of arthritis. I have begun taking medication to help relieve my hip pain and have already noticed quite a bit of a difference.

  2. Hernia can affect anyone both males and females even in small babies also. The main symptoms are heavy hip pain,heartburn, difficulty in swallowing, etc. In some cases the symptoms will be absent. And in such cases people don’t bother to do hernia surgery. But over time the hernia becomes larger and the only option is to go in for a open surgery.My sister had a serious health issue,her mouth was always getting filled with saliva. Then we consulted a hernia surgeon . He said it was the symptom of inguinal hernia and suggested for surgery.The surgery went good and she is perfect now.

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About the Author

Sarah Scroggins
Sarah Scroggins

Sarah Scroggins, health enews contributor, is the director of social media at Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. She has a BA and MA in Communications. When not on social media, she loves reading a good book (or audiobook), watching the latest Netflix series and teaching a college night class.