I've always known I have a hip problem called dysplasia. Just the left hip was affected but now I'm starting to have right hip pain. Is this just because I tend to favor that left hip?
There's no way to know what's causing the new onset of right hip pain without an exam and possibly some imaging studies. Anyone with unilateral (one sided) developmental hip dysplasia (DDH) can develop problems on the other side from uneven weight-bearing.
According to a new study from Denmark, it's also possible you have DDH on the other side but just don't know it. X-rays don't always show the subtle changes that occur in the hip anatomy that come with DDH. A transverse pelvic CT scan may be needed to identify bilateral (present on both sides) DDH.
Treatment often depends on knowing the exact cause of a problem. Make a follow-up appointment with your doctor before jumping to any conclusions. It could be a simple mechanical problem that can be treated by physical therapy. You may have the start of arthritic changes that can be treated with medication and exercise.
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