The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. This means the hip possesses a large range of motion and is responsible for many functions. The hip makes walking, running and climbing possible and allows the body to bend. Since it is involved in so much body movement, conditions that affect a man's hip often result in a great deal of pain and limited mobility.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder that affects the muscles and structures of the joints. The most commonly affected areas include a man's hips, shoulders, upper arms, neck and thighs, according to MayoClinic.com. The exact cause of polymyalgia rheumatica is unknown, but it is thought to develop as a result of abnormal immune responses that attack tissues and cells and cause inflammation.
Common symptoms of the condition include pain and aches in the affected areas, especially the hips, lower back and neck, limited range of motion and stiffness. Some people may experience low fever, fatigue, loss of appetite and malaise. Treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica consists of regular injections of anti-inflammatory medications into the affected areas.
Trochanteric Bursitis
Bursae are small sacs that provide cushion and support in the joints to allow for movement without any pain. Trochanteric bursitis is inflammation of the bursa that is located on the outside area of the hip called the greater tronchanter. When the bursa is inflamed, it causes a man to experience hip pain on the outside of the hip that increases with activity or when pressure is applied, according to Cleveland Clinic. Trochanteric bursitis can be caused by injury to the hip, overuse of the hip joint, chronic incorrect posture, arthritis and prior surgery.
According to Cleveland Clinic, most cases of trochanteric bursitis clear up in a few weeks without any medical intervention. Bed rest, over-the-counter pain relievers and alternating application of heat and cold can help improve symptoms.
Osteonecrosis
Osteonecrosis is bone death that occurs as a result of lack of blood flow to the bone. The bone is a living structure, and when it does not receive a continuous blood supply, it dies. Dead bone is hard and brittle and easily breaks off. When parts of the bone break off, it can cause the entire bone to fall apart.
Most cases of osteonecrosis in men occur at the joint of the hip, according to Medline Plus. This results in hip pain that becomes increasingly severe, a decrease in range of motion of the hip, groin pain and limping. Osteonecrosis can occur as a result of trauma to the bone, such as a severe break. Certain diseases such as gout and atherosclerosis can also develop after a bone injury. MedlinePlus notes that frequent use of steroids and alcohol and radiation therapy can also cause osteonecrosis. Most cases of osteonecrosis require surgery to repair or replace the dead bone.
