10 Causes of Hip Pain

By nigel

Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky

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The joints in the hip are incredibly important. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to engage in the fluid and repetitive motions – such as walking – that we do every day. The hip joint is cushioned by cartilage that helps to minimize the amount of friction that’s felt when the bones actually move throughout the socket.

Fortunately, the hip joint is made so it can endure quite a bit of natural wear and tear – provided that you take care of your body. Unfortunately, people who frequently engage in high-intensity activity may damage or degenerate the cartilage or the bones themselves.

There are a number of things that can contribute to this aside from the natural aging process. If you’re experiencing chronic hip pain and you’re not sure why, then hopefully this information can help you figure out what’s wrong and decide whether or not to seek medical treatment.

Cause #1: Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, and other types of arthritis, are the leading cause of joint and bone pain in the United States. Osteoarthritis affects more than 30 million people on a daily basis and the numbers are increasing.

There are a number of things that can contribute to osteoarthritis, such as a bad diet, old age, and excessive overuse of joints and bones. Cartilage can also be damaged by traumatic injuries.

When it occurs in the hips, the cushion of cartilage begins to deteriorate. This can cause the bones to actually rub together when you’re moving around. As the bones rub together, the increased friction can contribute to pain and stiffness which can decrease the quality of life.