Pain is a huge problem in society, especially among women. Hip pain is one of the most frequently occurring chronic pain types. Common causes range from arthritis to bursitis to gynecological problems.
The lowdown on chronic pain
There are 100 million adults in the United States suffering from chronic pain conditions, resulting in an overall toll of about $600 billion. Most of the afflicted are women, and that holds true internationally. According to a study of almost 90,000 patients from 17 countries, prevalence is nearly 50% higher among females:
· Women – 45%
· Men – 31%.
Hip pain is one of the most frequently occurring categories of pain, according to these figures from the National Center for Health Statistics and CDC:
1. Lower back – 28%
2. Knees – 20%
3. Migraine/headache – 16%
4. Neck – 15%
5. Shoulders – 9%
6. Fingers – 8%
7. Hips – 7%.
Why do so many women suffer from hip pain? Let’s look at common causes.
Arthritis
Wear-and-tear arthritis, technically called osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, is the #1 reason the hips start to hurt, according to New York orthopedic surgeon Stephanie E. Siegrist, MD. “The ball-and-socket joint starts to wear out,” Siegrist says.
Broken bones
As women age, they often experience osteoporosis – at a much higher rate than men, according to a National Osteoporosis Foundation report that found 2.0 million men and 8.2 million women were diagnosed with the condition. Osteoporosis can lead to fractures, which in turn results in chronic pain.
Bursitis/tendinitis
Sacs filled with fluid cushion the hip. When inflammation occurs in these sacs, called bursae, the hip starts to hurt during walking and other activities. The condition is known as bursitis.
Tendons often are areas of inflammation as well, resulting in tendinitis. Overuse is a typical precursor. For runners and other active people, iliotibial band syndrome is one of the major sources of tendinitis.
Hernia
Femoral and inguinal hernias, which lead to anterior hip pain, are often called “sports hernias,” but pregnant women frequently experience inguinal hernias as well.
Spinal & gynecological sources
Sometimes the pain points to other areas of the body, Dr. Siegrist notes. “Hip pain in women can have gynecological causes,” she says. “It’s important not to just assume that the pain is caused by arthritis, bursitis or tendinitis.”
Sciatica is a typical spinal root cause of hip pain, while endometriosis is a gynecological cause.
Recovery
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