Chronic hip pain is common for individuals over 60 since their hips have spent several decades supporting their upper body. However, although hip pain often comes with age, you don’t have to live with it. Your pain management clinic in St. Augustine, FL, can help ease the discomfort and improve your ability to enjoy your favorite activities.
There are several reasons you might experience chronic hip pain, including:
Arthritis
Any arthritic condition can affect the hips, the most common being osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The cartilage tissue breaks down in the joint and creates inflammation.
Bursitis
Liquid-filled sacs cushion the bones and reduce friction, but when they degrade, the bursae of the hips can become inflamed and put pressure on other soft tissues within the joint.
Fractures
Traumatic injury or osteoporosis can create fractures in the hip bones. If the damage is severe enough, it can collapse the bone structure.
Labral Tears
Highly repetitive twisting movements typically found in sports activities can tear the labrum that holds the ball and socket of the hip together.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is also often a result of repetitive motion, resulting in the inflammation of the tendons that connect bones and muscles.
While some of these issues may correct with time and healing, they will all require pain management to ease discomfort. If you think you’re suffering from any of these issues, reach out to your pain management clinic for a medical assessment.