Understanding Hip Pain: Why Early Diagnosis Matters

The hip is one of the most important joints in the human body. Standing, walking, climbing stairs, sitting and almost every form of daily movement depends on a healthy hip joint. Therefore, when hip pain develops, it not only causes physical discomfort but can also affect a person’s mobility, work capacity and overall quality of life. Many people dismiss hip pain as a normal age-related problem and ignore it for a long time. However, it may be a sign of a serious underlying disease or physical complication.

There can be many causes of hip pain. Rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and other inflammatory joint diseases can lead to inflammation and damage in the hip joint. Infections such as tuberculosis (TB) may also affect the hip. In some cases, reduced blood supply to the femoral head causes gradual damage to the bone, a condition known as avascular necrosis (AVN). Congenital hip deformities, traumatic injuries and hip fractures can also result in long-term pain and difficulty in walking.

One important characteristic of hip pain is that it often does not remain confined to the hip itself. The pain may radiate to the back, groin, thigh or even the knee. As a result, many patients initially seek treatment for low back pain or knee pain without realizing that the actual problem originates in the hip. Stiffness of the hip joint, difficulty in moving the leg normally, trouble walking or climbing stairs and gradually developing a limp are all common signs of hip-related disorders.

When diagnosed at an early stage, many hip conditions can be managed successfully with medication, physiotherapy and lifestyle modifications. Maintaining a healthy body weight, exercising regularly and engaging in joint-friendly activities such as swimming can help preserve hip function. Patients should also avoid long-term steroid use without medical supervision, as it may increase the risk of bone damage in the hip in some cases.

However, if the disease progresses and the hip joint becomes severely damaged, joint replacement surgery may be the most effective solution. Today, total hip replacement is one of the most successful surgeries in the world. Advanced procedures such as Primary Total Hip Replacement (THR), Complex Primary Total Hip Replacement and Revision Total Hip Replacement are being performed successfully using modern technology. These surgeries can relieve longstanding pain and help patients return to a normal and active life.

The Orthopedics and Joint Replacement Surgery Department at Evercare Hospital Dhaka provides treatment for complex hip and knee conditions using international-standard technology, modern operating theaters, and experienced specialist surgeons. The hospital’s experts carefully evaluate each patient and develop a personalized treatment plan to achieve the best possible outcome. From early diagnosis and surgery to rehabilitation and follow-up care, patients receive comprehensive, world-class treatment at every stage.

If hip pain persists for a long time or interferes with daily activities, it should not be ignored. Seeking expert medical advice at the right time can help prevent complications and significantly improve the chances of returning to a healthy and active life.

Author:

Maj Gen Prof. Dr. Md. Anisur Rahman Howlader

Senior Consultant

Orthopaedics Department 

Evercare Hospital Dhaka