Understanding the Causes of Hip Pain: A Comprehensive Guide

If you lie on your side at night or spend all day seated at a computer, you may already be familiar with the achy, uncomfortable sensation associated with hip discomfort.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, hip discomfort results from an issue either inside or outside the hip joint. Thought to impact 10% of the overall population, its frequency rises with age.

From what specifically causes hip pain? Actually, a variety of underlying diseases can cause hip discomfort. Hip pain can affect several parts of the hip joint, hence occasionally what you believe to be hip pain could really be a problem aggravating another part of your body.

We asked the professionals to dissect the information you should be aware of regarding this common disorder.

What is pain in the hips?

Your hip joint helps you to hold up body weight and allows upper leg mobility, so supporting fundamental motions in the body including balance. Cleveland Clinic says that this ball-and-socket joint links your femur (thigh bone) to your pelvis (hip bone).

Although there are several possible causes for hip pain, usually the pain shows up from a condition related to the tissues surrounding the ball-and-socket, including cartilage, muscles, and tendons, says Assistant Professor Dr. From NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spencer Stein

According to Dr. W. Christian Thomas, an assistant professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Adult Reconstruction at Northwestern University, patients typically point to the front of the hip (close to the groin or hip crease area), around the sides of the hip, the back of the hip (next to the buttock),

Thomas explains, “Every one of those several spheres can have a different constellation of problems that correspond with it.” The underlying cause will determine the variations in hip pain symptoms. Although it could also seem more deep-seated, with cramps and burning, hip pain is generally typified by clicking and popping around the hip.

Why Do my hips hurt?

The basic reason your hip hurts. Says Stein, it is probably age-dependent. Hip impingement causes discomfort more likely to be experienced by younger people and sportsmen, he adds. This condition can cause a labrum tear and a squeezing of the joint, the tissue around the socket.

“A more common cause of discomfort as people get older would be hip arthritis,” Stein notes. The most common type of hip arthritis, osteoarthritis results from “the loss of the smooth surface that lines the bone allowing the joint to glide.” Once that smooth surface is gone, patients may have trouble bearing weight, pain, and inflammation in the hip joint, and trouble walking, Stein notes.

Inflammation of the muscles and tendons encircling the hip joint is another potential source of hip discomfort. Says Thomas, the hip abductors, which line the rear and outside section of the hip, and the hip flexors near the top of the thighs can very often cause irritation.

Regarding any type of hip rotation-related issue, the hip might be injured with basic walking motions. Stein advises against bending or flexing the hip and long periods of sitting as these can increase hip pain.

Another condition compromising the hip’s outward appearance is bursitis. This occurs, Thomas notes when the bursa—the protective padding where the tendon contacts bone—becomes irritated. If hip discomfort affects the exterior of the hip, applying any direct pressure—including reclining on your side at night—will increase the ache, Stein counsels.

What might one mistake for hip pain?

A few conditions that could be thought of as hip pain could actually be the outcome of discomfort in another part of the body.

For instance, Thomas says lower back discomfort stemming from the lumbar spine, the sacroiliac (SI) joint, or a pinched nerve in the back could be mistaken for hip pain.
Although rare, Thomas notes hernias and some urologic diseases can cause problems around the hip. But these disorders must be addressed by another expert as they are not actual hip pain, he notes.

When should I start to worry about hip trouble?

Is your hip discomfort severe enough to warrant concern? “Can you walk?” Pointing out the first choice point—here—Thomas queries.

More: Getting well from a sprained ankle Healing will take this length of time.

See a healthcare physician, Stein advises, if you have a known diagnosis of disease-causing persistent hip discomfort and it is not resolving after basic activities or stretching.