Hip Pain Causes, Treatments & More

By priscilla

Reviewed: dr. stavarache

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Harvard Health Publishing. Think That Hip Pain is Bursitis? Think Again.' Harvard Health, 7 July 2020, www.health.harvard.edu/pain/think-that-hip-pain-is-bursitis-think-again.
• 2. 'Arthritis of the Hip - Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment.' Washington University Orthopedics, ortho.wustl.edu/content/Patient-Care/3207/Services/Hip-Knee/Adult-Reconstruction-and-Hip-Preservation-Overview/Arthritis-of-the-Hip.aspx.
• 3. 'John J. Wilson | Masaru Furukawa. ‘Evaluation of the Patient with Hip Pain.' 1 Jan. 2014, aafp.org/afp/2014/0101/p27.html.
• 4. 'Treatment Options for Hip Pain.' Hospital for Special Surgery, hss.edu/hip-pain-center-treatments.asp.
• 5. 'Hip Joint Anatomy: Overview, Gross Anatomy.' Diseases & Conditions - Medscape Reference, 11 June 2020, emedicine.medscape.com/article/1898964-overview.
• 6. Marquardt, Carolyn, and Andrew Cole. 'Hip Osteoarthritis Causes and Risk Factors.' Arthritis-health, arthritis-health.com/types/osteoarthritis/hip-osteoarthritis-causes-and-risk-factors.
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• 8. 'When is Joint Pain an Emergency?' Stormont Vail Health, 6 Nov. 2018, www.stormontvail.org/common-health-conditions/back-and-joint-pain-more-than-just-a-pain/when-is-joint-pain-an-emergency/.

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The hip joint is generally resilient against repeated motion and some degree of wear and tear. It's the largest ball-and-socket joint of the body, and its configuration allows it to move freely. When a person moves, such as when they walk, cartilage cushions against friction between the bones as the ball moves inside the socket.

As durable as it is, the hip is susceptible to damage and wear and tear. Extended use and aging can damage the cartilage as tendons and muscles become overused. Falls or injuries may break the hip bones. These and various other circumstances and conditions can lead to hip pain.

1. Causes

Hip pain can occur as a result of various conditions and injuries. These may include inflamed tendons, arthritis, trochanteric bursitis, and hip fractures.¹‘Harvard Health Publishing. Think That Hip Pain is Bursitis? Think Again.’ Harvard Health, 7 July 2020, www.health.harvard.edu/pain/think-that-hip-pain-is-bursitis-think-again. Inflamed tendons are the most common cause, often resulting from excessive exercise. The pain from inflamed tendons can be severe. Thankfully, the issue typically heals within a few days.

Arthritis is also among the most common causes of hip pain. It's characterized by tender, stiff and painful joints that make it difficult to walk. There are various types of arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, infectious and traumatic arthritis. Less common causes of hip pain include snapping hip syndrome and osteonecrosis.