Signs of inflammation or infection in a hip

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Signs of inflammation or infection in a hip

Signs of inflammation include pain or tenderness to the touch around the hip. You may also have:

• Fever.
• Swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the groin.

Inflammation develops as a normal protective response of the immune system. When tissue or a joint is irritated, the immune system increases blood flow to the area. The swelling may put pressure on nerve endings, which may cause severe pain with movement. Inflammation may occur with overuse of a body area or with minor injuries. Symptoms of inflammation may be present in conditions such as bursitis, arthritis, or tendinitis.

Pain, redness, and swelling that occur with red streaking, heat, fever, or puslike drainage can be caused by an infection. An infection often causes tenderness to the touch and severe pain with movement at the site of the infection. The redness and swelling of an infection often "spreads" and tends to move toward the center of the body.

If another health problem is present, such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or an impaired immune system, an infection or complication is more likely to happen. Mild inflammation or minor infections usually will clear up on their own. Prompt medical treatment of a serious infection can prevent complications.

Credits

Last updated:	September 20, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer