Diseases of the hip can cause more severe pain than osteoarthritis in other parts of the body. This pain is usually difficult to tolerate because the hip is a major weight-bearing joint in the body. It constantly works hard, and is related to most functions of movement. One feels pain in the hip joint even while moving the hips gently or even while doing nothing at all. Additionally, patients with this condition may hobble, and younger people are less likely to accept hindrance in their walking.
In Thailand, there are 2 common causes of diseases of the hip. One of them is osteonecrosis (lack of blood supply to the bone), especially from the use of steroids or pain medications. Another is a degenerative condition, which occurs due to old age. Other causes include hip problems from birth and injuries causing hip dislocations or hip fractures. There are a few other less common causes.
Hip cancer can develop in 2 ways, metastatic and locally invasive. Both cause hip pain perpetually in all positions and to a more severe extent than osteoarthritis does. Patients with hip cancer may experience low-grade fever, loss of appetite and weight loss. On the other hand, for patients with hip infections, they will suffer from severe pain and have high-grade fever. However they usually do not experience loss of appetite or weight loss.
