Overview
Hip pain is a very common complaint that can affect people of all ages. The hip is one of the largest and most important weight-bearing joints in the body. Hip pain can originate from structures within the joint itself (intra-articular) or from surrounding muscles, tendons, and bursae (extra-articular). It can also be referred from the lower back or, less commonly, from the knee.
Common Causes
- Osteoarthritis — the most common cause, especially in older adults
- Hip bursitis — inflammation of the trochanteric bursa (outer hip)
- Tendonitis — inflammation of hip tendons
- Hip labral tear — damage to the cartilage lining the hip socket
- Hip fracture — particularly in older adults with osteoporosis
- Avascular necrosis — loss of blood supply to the femoral head
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Referred pain from the lower back (sciatica)
- IT band syndrome
Symptoms Indicating the Source
- Groin pain — usually from inside the joint itself
- Outer hip pain — often bursitis or tendonitis
- Buttock pain — may be from the sacroiliac joint or referred from the back
- Pain worse on stairs, getting up from a chair, or walking — suggests hip arthritis
Treatment
- Rest and activity modification
- NSAIDs for pain and inflammation
- Physiotherapy — strengthening hip and gluteal muscles
- Weight loss — reduces load on the hip joint
- Corticosteroid or local anaesthetic injections
- Hip replacement surgery — for severe osteoarthritis