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From young athletes to active seniors, no patient is completely safe from hip problems. Fortunately for most, the symptoms of their joint pain are often limited to short-term discomfort. Patients who experience any of the following symptoms, however, may be dealing with a more serious underlying condition.

Stiffness and Pain That Interrupts Sleep

While it might be normal to wake up with mild, short-term hip stiffness in the morning, it isn’t normal to be woken up by hip pain in the middle of the night. Hip pain that interrupts a patient’s sleep may be the sign of an underlying condition, such as:

• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Tendonitis

After ruling out causes like poor sleep posture and issues with mattress firmness, patients with nighttime hip pain should report their symptoms to a specialist.

Hip Swelling, Heat, or Discoloration 

Pain in the hip accompanied by swelling, heat, or fever are all serious symptomatic combinations. The onset of such symptoms may be the result of conditions like:

• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Infection

Furthermore, patients experiencing hip pain joined by discoloration of the skin should consider seeing a specialist, as this could be the result of a strain, fracture, or a similar condition.

Grinding, Popping Hip Noise

An occasional popping noise is often harmless, but patients that notice consistent, abnormal noises should schedule an appointment with a specialist. Audible grinding, popping, or cracking may be the result of conditions such as:

• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Snapping hip syndrome

Over time, these types of conditions can diminish the cartilage protecting the hip joint or potentially lead to the development of bursitis.

Hip Pain That Worsens With Activity  

Depending on a patient’s age, activity level, and current condition, a short sprint or even a long-distance walk can bring bouts of hip pain. However, hip pain during activity that persists or dramatically worsens may be an indicator of a range of issues, including:

• Arthritis
• Dislocation
• Labral tear
• Muscle strain
• Tendinitis
• Fracture

Healing From Hip Pain in St. Augustine

Hip pain that doesn’t go away shouldn’t be ignored. If you’re experiencing any of the hip symptoms above or a troubling sign that you don’t see on the list, come visit the specialists at Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine. Our team of sports medicine specialists and orthopaedists can get to the root cause of your hip pain to recommend personalized, advanced treatment. To schedule your appointment, fill out our online request form or call 904-825-0540. 

 

PAUL ROETTGES – MD
A member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Knee and Hip Surgeries, Dr. Roettges performs hip and knee replacements as well as complex unresolved hip and knee pain.