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Understanding Hip Pain: What's Really Causing It?
Published: Aug 30, 2024
Hip pain in adults can arise from a variety of conditions, including joint disorders and surrounding tissue issues. Understanding the cause of hip pain is crucial for effective treatment and relief.
Common Causes of Hip Pain
In adults, hip pain often originates from conditions within the joint, such as arthritis or avascular necrosis (AVN). It can also result from periarticular issues like tendinitis or bursitis. Sometimes, the pain may stem from areas outside the hip, such as the lower back or nerve entrapment syndromes.
Diagnosing Hip Pain
Accurate diagnosis of hip pain involves a thorough history and physical examination, followed by appropriate imaging tests. Plain radiography is typically the first step, but other imaging modalities like MRI or CT scans may be necessary to identify specific conditions or rule out others.
Imaging Techniques Explained
Different imaging techniques serve various purposes in diagnosing hip pain. For instance, MRI is excellent for soft tissue evaluation, while CT is often used for assessing bone injuries. Ultrasound can be helpful for dynamic evaluation but depends heavily on the operator's skill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Avascular necrosis is a condition where bone tissue dies due to lack of blood supply, often affecting the hip.
Arthritis causes inflammation in the hip joint, leading to pain and stiffness.
Yes, issues like lower back problems or nerve entrapment can cause referred hip pain.
Not always; imaging is typically used when the cause isn't clear from physical examination alone.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the root cause of hip pain is crucial for effective treatment.
References
- American College of Radiology. ACR Appropriateness Criteria: Chronic hip pain. Available at: https://acsearch.acr.org/docs/69425/Narrative/ (Accessed on May 04, 2017).
- Lee KS, Rosas HG, Phancao JP. Snapping hip: imaging and treatment. Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2013; 17:286.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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