Hip pain can be caused by factors unrelated to underlying disease, such as trauma, overuse, sprains and strains. But the majority of hip pain we see in our patients is attributable to some form of arthritis.
Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States, and osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting tens of millions of people worldwide. It is a degenerative disease characterized by the breakdown and eventual loss of joint cartilage. This wearing away of joint cartilage causes the bones to rub together, resulting in extreme pain. OA resulting from “wear and tear” is the most common reason individuals need to undergo hip replacement surgery.