Joints are areas in the body where two bones meet. Joints are also comprised of tendons, ligaments, cartilage and fluid-filled sacs called bursae. Working together, these structures allow the body to bend and move in fluid motion and without pain.
Joint diseases attack one of the structures that make up the joint and often result in soreness and pain in the joint itself. The hip joints are major joints in the body commonly affected by these diseases.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes pain, stiffness and soreness in the joints. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but it is believed that a genetic component is involved. Rheumatoid arthritis usually occurs symmetrically, which means it affects joints equally on both sides of the body. The hands, wrists, hips, shoulders, knees and feet are commonly affected.
In addition to soreness and pain, other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include fatigue, fever, hard lumps under the skin called nodules and a general ill feeling, according to the American Association for Clinical Chemistry website Lab Tests Online. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment aims at slowing down disease progression and usually involves a combination of medications and physical therapy.
Bursitis
Bursae are fluid-filled sacs near the joints that act as cushions so that in normal instances, movement doesn't cause pain or soreness. In those with bursitis, the bursae become inflamed, resulting in pain, soreness and stiffness in the joints, especially the hips, shoulders or elbows, according to MayoClinic.com.
Repetitive motions usually cause bursitis, but the condition can also be caused by staying in the same position for too long. In addition to soreness in the hips, shoulders and elbow joints, other symptoms of bursitis include swollen joints and redness in the affected area. Treatment for bursitis consists of immobilizing the affected area, applying ice and taking pain relievers.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, the tissue in the joints that covers the ends of the bone and prevents them from rubbing together. When cartilage breaks down, it allows the bones to touch, which causes pain and soreness in the affected joints. Other symptoms include loss of joint motion, bone spurs and disfigurement of the joint.
Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the hips, spine, hands or knees, according to Medline Plus. The exact cause of osteoarthritis is unknown, but some contributing factors include overweight, old age, previous joint injury, genetic defects and repeated stress on the joints. Treatment for osteoarthritis consists of a combination of medications, increased exercise, physical therapy and possible surgery.
