Hip Pain in Youth and Adulthood

A hip pain can occur at various ages, and in many cases, different underlying causes are behind the problem. The signals of pain affect not only the older generation but can also occur in younger generations. Due to the complex structure and functions of the hip joint, understanding the causes of pain is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Determining the Causes of Hip Pain

When determining the causes of hip pain, the patient’s age plays an important role, as different conditions may arise in children, adolescents, and adults. Additionally, the localization of pain, its type, and accompanying symptoms can help identify possible conditions. Below, we will review the most common conditions associated with hip pain, highlighting those that occur in adolescence and adulthood, as well as their treatment.

Hip Pain in Adolescence

Adolescence is a particularly interesting period regarding hip pain, as many orthopedic problems can arise during this age. One of the most common conditions that occurs in adolescents is epiphyseolysis capitis femoris, which is most often observed in overweight young people. In this case, the femoral head slips off the femoral neck, causing sudden pain and limited mobility. The complaints are often linked to a minor accident, but hormonal changes may be behind it.

This condition requires immediate medical intervention, as the femoral head needs to be repositioned and secured with a screw. The treatment involves a long rehabilitation process and physiotherapy. Bone tumors can also occur in young adulthood, and night pain should always raise suspicion. In such cases, chemotherapy and surgical treatments are necessary for recovery.

Another common problem is hip impingement syndrome, which develops due to anatomical variations. Due to differences in the neck of the femur and the depth of the socket, the femoral neck collides with the rim of the socket, causing sharp pain. Patients often report pain when bending down or getting out of a car. Physiotherapy can effectively help alleviate the symptoms.

Hip Pain in Adulthood

Hip pain occurring in adulthood is often associated with a sedentary lifestyle and desk jobs. Among those who work at a desk, hip muscle syndrome is the most common cause, where the muscles around the hip are constantly under tension. Patients often experience pain in their hips when standing up and feel as if something has collapsed under their legs.

Prolonged sitting causes the muscles to weaken, and the tension gradually weakens them. Weakened muscles cannot adequately stabilize the pelvis and spine, which the body tries to compensate for with other muscles. This can lead to pain radiating to the spine as well. Physiotherapy can be an effective solution for managing the symptoms.

Osteoarthritis, which is arthritis resulting from joint wear, is also a common problem in adulthood. This condition can affect any joint but primarily targets the hip, knee, and spine. Symptoms of inflammation due to joint wear include pain, swelling, and limited mobility. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain, use cartilage-strengthening agents, and apply physiotherapy.

Causes and Treatment of Hip Pain

The causes of hip pain encompass a wide spectrum, and a thorough medical examination is necessary for proper diagnosis. Arthritis, such as psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis, can also occur as a consequence of systemic diseases. In these cases, treating the skin disease or autoimmune process can help resolve the arthritis.

Bursitis, or inflammation of the bursa, is also a common issue that occurs above the hip joint. The onset of symptoms can be facilitated by prolonged strain, such as running or climbing stairs. Treatment typically involves anti-inflammatory medications and offloading, and in most cases, symptom relief can be achieved within a few weeks.

Ankylosing spondylitis and sacroiliitis can also cause pain in the hip, so treating these diseases is also essential. Sciatica, or the “pinched back” condition, is a common complaint that manifests as back pain and can develop due to strain on the lumbar spine. Treatment often requires rest and anti-inflammatory medications.

Overall, the causes of hip pain can be diverse, influenced by age, activity level, and individual risk factors. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing pain and restoring function.