Differential Diagnosis for Hip Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most common cause of hip pain in adults, especially in those over 50 years old. It is characterized by wear and tear of the joint cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Trochanteric Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa over the trochanter, often caused by repetitive friction or direct trauma, leading to pain and tenderness on the outer aspect of the hip.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons surrounding the hip joint, commonly affecting the gluteus medius or minimus tendons, leading to pain and weakness.
- Piriformis Syndrome: Compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the buttock and leg.
- Stress Fracture: A small crack in the bone, often caused by overuse or repetitive stress, leading to pain and tenderness in the hip area.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic Arthritis: A bacterial infection of the joint, which can lead to severe joint damage and systemic illness if not promptly treated.
- Avascular Necrosis: Death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply, often caused by trauma, steroids, or excessive alcohol consumption, leading to severe hip pain and joint collapse.
- Hip Fracture: A break in the hip bone, often caused by trauma or osteoporosis, requiring prompt surgical intervention to prevent complications.
Rare Diagnoses
- Synovial Chondromatosis: A rare condition characterized by the growth of cartilage in the joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
- Paget's Disease: A rare bone disorder that can cause hip pain, deformity, and increased risk of fractures.
- Bone Tumors: Primary or metastatic tumors in the hip bone, which can cause pain, weakness, and limited mobility.