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The Signs and Symptoms Of Hip Disorders

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When you think about the hip you probably don’t realize that it is actually the largest joint in the body. Unfortunately there are a large variety of problems that can affect the hips and include arthritis, dysplasia – a developmental problem, irritable hip syndrome, Perthes’ disease and a slipped capital femoral epiphysis. Being the biggest joint in the body sure has its problems but thankfully there are some very good orthopedic doctors that can diagnose, treat, medicate and rehabilitate those of us with hip problems.

Just like all of the other joints in the human body, the hip joint is just as complicated as the next. This is because of the range of motion that is required in a joint and the hip is no different. You have most likely seen what a hip joint looks like in various animations and pictures. It is a basic ball and socket joint. The thigh bone or femur has a rounded head or ball (femoral head)which should supposedly fit neatly and succinctly into the socket (acetabulum). This is all in the area called the pelvic girdle.

When we look at the ball and socket you can see that there is a cushioned lining covering them. This tissue is called cartilage. The wonderful thing about the hip joint is that it is sealed within its own capsule with lubricating fluid to allow it to effortlessly move within the socket. Tough and sturdy connective tissue will anchor that head into the socket and the leg muscles are what overlay the ligaments and tissue.

Common symptoms of hip disorders are:

  • Pain through the hip but mostly felt in the groin area
  • A transfer of pain through to the thigh and the knee
  • A defined limp
  • Stiffness in the muscles
  • Reduction in the range of motion
  • Pain when placing weight on the leg of the affected side

Whilst the cause of these symptoms can be wide ranging the only way to truly be diagnosed and treated is by seeing your orthopedic doctor as soon as pain strikes.

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