“Why does my hip hurt so much even though I didn’t fall or twist it?”
This is often the first question people ask before they even know what AVN is. If you or someone you love has just been told they have AVN (Avascular Necrosis), it might feel like your world has turned upside down. The name itself sounds intimidating. But let’s break it down, simply and clearly.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what AVN actually is, why it happens, how it affects your body, and what can be done to treat it without the scary jargon/

What Is AVN?

Let’s imagine your bones as living, breathing tissues that need a blood supply to stay strong just like your heart, brain, or muscles. AVN happens when that blood supply gets cut off to a part of the bone, often in the hip joint.

Without blood, the bone tissue begins to die, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and eventually even collapse of the joint if left untreated.

That’s why AVN is also called osteonecrosis literally meaning “bone death.”

Which Bones Are Usually Affected?

While AVN can happen in many bones, it most commonly affects the femoral head the ball part of your hip joint. It can also occur in the knees, shoulders, and ankles.

The hip is particularly vulnerable because its blood supply is more fragile. Once the blood stops flowing, damage can begin silently before any pain even shows up.

Why Does It Happen?

AVN doesn’t always have one clear cause, but here are some common reasons:

Injury or trauma: A fracture or dislocation can disrupt blood flow to the bone.
Steroid use: Long-term use of corticosteroids (like prednisone) can increase AVN risk.
Alcohol abuse: Heavy drinking affects blood vessels and bone health.
Medical conditions: Diseases like lupus, sickle cell anemia, or blood clotting disorders.
Unknown reasons: Sometimes, AVN occurs with no clear explanation this is called “idiopathic AVN.”

You don't need to have all of these. Sometimes, it’s just bad luck combined with factors we don’t fully understand yet.

What Does It Feel Like?

In the early stages, AVN may not cause any symptoms at all. That’s why it’s often missed until the pain becomes consistent.

Common symptoms include:

Dull, aching pain in the hip, groin, or buttock
Pain when walking, climbing stairs, or even sitting for long
Stiffness or limping
Difficulty with full leg movement

It might feel like a deep bruise that just won’t go away and it gets worse with time.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Doctors usually begin with a physical exam and questions about your lifestyle, medications, or past injuries. To confirm AVN, imaging tests are needed:

X-rays: May show AVN in later stages
MRI scans: Best for detecting early-stage AVN
CT scans or bone scans: Sometimes used for detailed assessment

Catching AVN early (in Stage 1 or 2) gives you the best chance to recover without surgery.

Can It Be Treated?

Absolutely. AVN isn’t always a life sentence or a one-way path to surgery. Treatment depends on the stage of your AVN and your overall health.

Non-surgical treatments:

Medication: Bone-protecting drugs, blood thinners, or pain relievers
PRP therapy: Platelet-rich plasma injections to support healing
Stem cell therapy: Uses your own cells to regenerate bone tissue
Physiotherapy: To strengthen muscles and reduce joint pressure
Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, quitting alcohol, better posture
Ayurveda & integrative care: Used in many Indian clinics with good results

These work best in the early stages, so timely action matters.

Surgical options (for advanced AVN):

Core decompression: Drilling into bone to relieve pressure and increase blood flow
Bone grafting: Replacing damaged bone with healthy bone tissue
Hip replacement: For late-stage AVN when the joint has collapsed

Surgery may sound scary, but many people experience life-changing pain relief and mobility afterward.

Life After an AVN Diagnosis

You may be feeling overwhelmed right now. That’s completely normal. But know this:

You are not alone
AVN is treatable
Early action gives you the upper hand

Many patients return to active, pain-free lives through non-surgical treatments, physiotherapy, and holistic care. The key is consistency and support.

A Final Word: You Are More Than a Diagnosis

AVN may affect your bones, but it doesn’t define your life.

If you’ve just been diagnosed, take a deep breath. Start with small steps educate yourself, speak openly with your doctor, and reach out to a community that understands what you’re going through. There’s real hope, and real progress being made in treating AVN every day.

And remember healing starts with understanding. Now, you’re already on the right path.

AVN in Simple Terms: A Patient-Friendly Explanation