Hip bone on bone, typically due to advanced arthritis, generally feels like pain and stiffness in the hip joint, often accompanied by a grinding sensation and limited mobility.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the sensations:
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Pain: The most prominent symptom is pain. This pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation. It is usually located in the groin, but can also radiate to the buttock, thigh, or even the knee. The pain is typically worse with activity and may improve with rest, at least initially. As the condition progresses, the pain can be present even at rest and can disrupt sleep.
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Stiffness: The hip joint will feel stiff, especially after periods of inactivity, like first thing in the morning or after sitting for a long time. It can be difficult to move the hip through its full range of motion.
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Grinding, Clicking, or Popping: As the cartilage wears away, the bones may rub directly against each other, creating a grinding, clicking, or popping sensation (crepitus) within the joint. This can be both felt and sometimes even heard.
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Limited Range of Motion: The hip joint's ability to move freely is significantly reduced. This can make it difficult to perform everyday activities such as:
- Putting on shoes and socks.
- Getting in and out of a car.
- Walking.
- Climbing stairs.
- Bending over.
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Limping: To avoid putting weight on the painful hip, individuals often develop a limp. This is a compensatory mechanism to reduce the stress and pain in the affected joint.
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Weakness: The muscles surrounding the hip joint can weaken due to decreased activity and pain avoidance. This weakness can further contribute to instability and difficulty with movement.
In summary, hip bone on bone is a painful and debilitating condition that significantly impacts quality of life. The combination of pain, stiffness, grinding, and limited mobility makes even simple tasks challenging.
