Has bending over, tying your shoelaces, climbing stairs, or morning stiffness become a daily occurrence for you? Often ignored, it may actually be a hip problem, which is more recognizable than it appears. A condition that has long affected older people is now affecting a growing number of people aged 35-40. This has the added benefit of extending life.
What exactly is a worn-out hip?
A “worn-out” hip refers to the impact of the joint cartilage, which causes a protective effect that prevents the bones from rubbing together. When this cartilage atrophies or thins, the friction causes pain, stiffness, and sometimes inflammation: this is degenerative hip disease (or osteoarthritis).
Hip pain can indicate overuse, injury (e.g., fracture, dislocation), degenerative disease (coxarthrosis), inflammation (e.g., of a bursa, joint), or a neurological problem (e.g., sciatica), often radiating to the thigh and knee, accompanied by stiffness and limited movement. Causes vary – from minor, resolving with rest, to serious, requiring diagnosis and treatment.
Common causes:
