Hip pain. Don't throw away the cane

The most common cause of hip pain is osteoarthritis, which when combined with rheumatoid arthritis accounts for 90% of all hip pain diagnoses. Other conditions of the joint include fractures, synovitis, and avascular necrosis. There are three major conditions that mimic hip disease: nerve root pressure syndrome, trochanteric bursitis, and vascular insufficiency. Laboratory studies are often of little value for diagnosis. Careful examination and an awareness of possible mimicking and concomitant conditions can be more helpful. Treatment of hip disease should be conservative as long as the patient can tolerate the discomfort and inconvenience. Early treatment may include the use of a cane. If surgery is contemplated, insist that the patient get at least two opinions regarding the need for and type of surgery to be recommended.