At South Florida Interventional Orthopedics and Spine in Davenport and Miami, Florida, double board-certified physiatrist Seth Kaufman, DO, takes a unique, patient-focused approach to get to the bottom of lingering pain.
This often becomes especially important after age 50, a time when hip pain tends to spike.
Today's blog covers five of the most common reasons hip pain can happen.
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of hip pain after 50. Over time, the protective cartilage that covers the bones of the joint gradually wears away.
This can lead to stiff movement, inflammation, and hip pain. In late-stage osteoarthritis, the hip joint bones may grind together painfully (bone-on-bone arthritis) to cause severe hip pain.
Hip bursitis develops when the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that help cushion the hip joint grow irritated or inflamed.
This condition often develops alongside osteoarthritis. Because osteoarthritis can be painful and alter joint mechanics, it's common to compensate by shifting sitting and walking patterns. But this puts extra stress on the bursae of the outer hip, triggering even more pain.
Tendons and muscles naturally grow stiffer and less resilient over time. That can leave adults over 50 more vulnerable to overuse and repetitive use injuries.
In the hips, this may show up as hip flexor tendonitis and groin strains that can cause hip pain.
Not all hip pain actually starts in the hip. Conditions affecting the lower spine, including herniated discs or spinal stenosis, can irritate nearby nerves and cause pain that radiates into the hip or leg, aka sciatica.
Sciatica often creates burning, shooting, or tingling sensations that travel from the lower back through the hip and buttock, and as far downward as the knee. It usually affects one hip.
The hip labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps stabilize the joint. Over time, age-related degeneration or repetitive motion can lead to tiny tears in this tissue.
Labral tears may cause deep hip soreness and pain, often alongside clicking sensations, joint stiffness, or discomfort during twisting movements.
At South Florida Interventional Orthopedics and Spine, Dr. Kaufman develops customized nonsurgical treatment plans to help patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and stay active and vital at every age.
If you're struggling with hip pain that won't quit, know this: Being over 50 doesn't mean you have to just live with it. Connect with us online or by phone today to book a consultation with Dr. Kaufman and find solutions.
