The hip joint is the largest ‘ball and socket’ type joint in the body. As one of the major lower limb joints a well functioning and pain free hip is essential for almost any weight bearing activity.
The anatomy of the joint affords the hip a good range of movement whilst maintaining good stability. Additional stability is provided by the cartilage labrum that acts to deepen the socket, by the hip joint capsule and ligaments and by the surrounding muscles that move the joint.
Pain in the hip can arise from any of the structures mentioned above. Pain may also result from a congenital abnormality, from a developmental problem, from trauma (fractures and dislocations and soft tissue injuries) and occasionally following infection. Hip pain may also be referred from other areas.
The commonest cause of hip pain, however, is ‘wear and tear’; otherwise known as osteoarthritis.
If you are struggling with a hip problem please do not suffer in silence, contact the South West’s orthopaedic experts today.