Common Causes of Hip Pain

Hip pain causes discomfort and can severely limit a person’s quality of life. Not only is it painful, but chronic hip pain can lead to long-term disability and even more serious conditions. Knowing the causes of hip pain is key in preventing further damage and properly treating the issue.

Here are the most common causes of hip pain that should be considered when trying to diagnose your condition:

1) Osteoarthritis – This condition causes inflammation and joint degeneration, resulting in intense hip pain. It most commonly affects individuals aged 45 years or older, though it can occur at any age from wear and tear on the joints during everyday activities or due to an injury.

2) Bursitis – Inflammation of the bursae, which are small sacs filled with fluid located near bones and joints, causes hip pain. This condition can be caused by overuse or an injury to the area.

3) Tendinitis – When tendons surrounding the hip joint become inflamed due to overuse, it causes pain in the hips. This is usually seen in athletes who engage in repetitive movements such as running or biking.

4) Fractures – A traumatic event such as a fall or car accident can cause a fracture in the hip region resulting in severe pain. If left untreated, this could lead to more serious complications like chronic hip pain.

5) Labral tears – Tears in the labrum, the cartilage that surrounds the hip joint, can cause pain and instability in the area. Labral tears can be caused by an injury or from repetitive motions such as lifting weights.

6) Bony spurs – As a person ages, small bone growths called bony spurs can form around joints like the hips. These growths can irritate nearby nerves and tissue, leading to pain when walking or standing for extended periods.

7) Stress fractures – Repetitive physical activities like running can put stress on the bones in your hips and create hairline cracks known as stress fractures. This causes severe pain with movement which should be treated immediately to avoid further damage to the hip region. 

8) Avascular necrosis – This condition causes the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. It causes pain and can cause bones in the hip region to become weakened or break down completely.

9) Snapping hip syndrome – Also known as dancer’s hip, this is when part of the muscle, tendon, or ligament rubs against the hip joint capsule, causing an audible snapping sound with movement. The continuous rubbing causes pain and discomfort in the area.

10) Piriformis syndrome – When the piriformis muscle becomes tight or spasms, it causes nerve compression resulting in pain radiating from your buttocks to your hips or thighs. This is usually caused by sitting for long periods or overworking the muscle.

11) Compression fractures – When there is too much pressure on a weakened bone, it causes a compression fracture. This causes pain and usually occurs in people with osteoporosis or cancer.

12) Iliotibial band syndrome – Inflammation of the connective tissue that runs along the outside of your hip causes pain with movement. It’s most commonly seen in cyclists and runners who put continual stress on their IT bands.

13) Sciatica nerve impingement – When the sciatic nerve becomes compressed due to misalignment, it causes pain radiating from your lower back down to your hips and legs. This is usually caused by sitting in awkward positions or poor posture.

14) Groin strain – This occurs when the muscles and tendons in the hip area are overstretched, usually due to a high-impact activity like running or soccer. It causes pain and difficulty with movement.

15) Sacroiliac joint dysfunction – When there is misalignment between the sacrum and hipbone it causes pain in the region, especially when putting weight on one leg. Sitting for long periods of time can cause this condition as well as excessive exercising or an injury.

16) Hernia – These occur when fatty tissue from inside your abdomen protrudes through weak spots in the stomach wall, pushing against other organs and causing pain in the hips. Hernias usually require surgery to correct.

17) Polymyalgia Rheumatica – This causes pain and stiffness in the hips, shoulders, neck, and arms due to inflammation of the muscles or joints. It’s most common in people over 50 and can be treated with medication and physical therapy.

18) Gout – This is a type of arthritis caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joint. It causes intense pain and swelling in your knees, toes, ankles, and hips when left untreated.

Hip pain can have a serious impact on your life and should not be taken lightly. It is a serious condition that can have long-term effects on your mobility if not properly managed. Knowing the causes of hip pain is essential for getting the right diagnosis and treatment. Although causes vary from person to person, the ones listed above are some of the most common ones that should be considered if you’re experiencing pain in your hips.

If you’re having unexplained hip pain, it’s important to speak to your doctor so that you can get a proper diagnosis and start taking action towards managing the condition. With the right medical advice and lifestyle changes, managing hip pain is possible and can help improve your quality of life.