The pain is mild when you stand up from a chair. A slight hesitancy when you bend over to tie your shoe. A twinge of hurt going uphill. You shrug it off because you are too young, too occupied, too invincible to be afraid.
The story is one of thousands. The hips, so often undervalued, are unspoken heroes of your moving parts, and when they go out of whack, even the most routine activities, from strolling to sitting, can become obstacles. The underlying reasons behind hip damage are the first step in preventing, treating, or managing a condition that can be life-altering.
So we step through the most common causes of hip joint damage, because knowledge is your first prescription.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of hip joint damage. The cartilage that cushions your hip wears down over time. When bones first start to rub, there is pain, stiffness, and swelling, and eventually difficulty walking, even sleeping. If left untreated, it can also cause a full breakdown of the joint that frequently warrants surgical intervention.
This is where the assistance of the best orthopedic surgeon in Jaipur becomes essential, not just for surgical solutions, but also for earlier-stage treatments.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its joint tissue, triggering chronic inflammation. Unlike osteoarthritis, it’s not age-related; you can contract it in early adulthood and have it worsen quickly.
As inflammation consumes cartilage and bone, the joint can become deformed, lose its function, and cause significant discomfort, a prominent item on the list of causes of hip joint damage that often requires surgical repair.
Avascular Necrosis
One of the lesser-known causes of hip joint damage is AVN. Here, the blood flow to the hip bone is diminished or stopped, leading to the death of bone tissue over time. AVN can be caused by the use of alcohol, prolonged use of certain steroids, and even trauma. Conservative treatment may resolve the worry if caught early. But in advanced stages, the joint collapses, and surgery becomes necessary.
Traumatic Hip Injuries
Sometimes, it’s not disease but direct trauma that causes hip damage. A fall, a road accident, or a sports injury can fracture the hip or damage the cartilage. Elderly patients are especially vulnerable. Such events often cause acute joint misalignment or long-term instability, becoming urgent causes of hip joint damage that demand surgical correction. Even after the bone heals, lingering dysfunction may require a hip replacement surgeon in Jaipur to restore proper movement and reduce pain.
Bursitis
The bursae in your hip are small, fluid-filled sacs that help to decrease friction. But excessive use or repetitive motion can lead them to become inflamed, a condition called bursitis.
While chronic forms of bursitis are usually treated with rest and medication, it can weaken the adjacent tissues and cause prolonged joint problems. It’s a lesser-known but still notable addition to the list of causes of hip joint damage.
Tendinitis
The tendons around your hips can become irritated or inflamed from overuse, especially in athletes and workers with repetitive motion routines. If not treated, tendinitis can result in loss of joint support, speeding up the wear on the cartilage and paving the way for more serious joint problems. It’s one of the relatively more preventable causes of hip joint damage if it’s caught early and treated properly.
Sciatica
While sciatica is a nerve condition, it can cause extreme discomfort around the hip region due to the pressure on the sciatic nerve. The prolonged nature of sciatica causes changes in walking posture, which then cause unnatural stress on the hip joint. This may increase underlying injury and be another potential cause of hip joint breakdown over time. That’s an indirect but increasing contribution to the list of causes of hip joint damage today.
Infections
Untreated, septic arthritis and other bone infections can devour cartilage and bone in a matter of weeks. In such cases, surgery is usually needed to save the joint. Although it is uncommon, infection remains one of the significant causes of hip joint damage and demands prompt identification and specialised treatment.
Final Word:
We at Ginni Devi Memorial Hospital, one of the best orthopedic hospital in Jaipur, know that hip pain is more than just physical. Whether it be an injury, arthritis, or due to age, we are here to help. Don’t allow discomfort to restrict your life. Enter the expertise of care, trust your footing, and walk freely again. Your hips were built to be as mobile—now let us help them recover.
