Whats wrong with my hip ball and socket joint?
See your health care provider as soon as possible. The hip is a “ball-and-socket” joint. The largest bone in the body, the femur, is in the thigh. The femur narrows to a “neck” that angles into the pelvis and ends in a ball shaped knob. This ball fits into a curved socket in the pelvic bones, providing a joint that can move in all directions. The joint is located under some big muscles so that it is protected from dislocation-that is, from coming out of its socket. A flexion contracture is a common result of hip problems. This means that motion of the hip joint has been partly lost. The hip becomes partially fixed in a slightly bent position. When you are walking or standing, the pelvis tilts forward, and when you stand straight, the back has to curve a little more. This throws extra strain on the lower back. Listen for the pain message and try to avoid activities that aggravate your hip. You should avoid pain medication as much as possible. Rest the joint after painful activities. A g
