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What is hip pain?

Hip pain can significantly impact your daily life, hinder mobility and cause discomfort. It's a common issue that can be caused by hip dysplasia, arthritis, fractures or soft tissue problems, as well as conditions such as femoroacetabular impingement and Perthes disease. There are numerous treatment options available to relieve hip pain and improve your quality of life. Our team of orthopedic hip experts are here to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and to explore personalized treatment options tailored to your specific condition and needs.

Hip pain symptoms

Hip pain can manifest in various ways and its symptoms can range from mild discomfort to significant pain. Common symptoms of hip pain include:

  • Pain: Pain in the groin, side of the hip or back of the hip are the most prevalent symptoms. The pain can be sharp, dull, aching or throbbing, and it may be constant or intermittent.
  • Stiffness: Many individuals with hip pain experience stiffness in the hip joint, especially after periods of inactivity. Stiffness can make it challenging to move the hips or perform certain daily activities, such as putting on shoes and socks.
  • Limited range of motion: Hip pain and changes in the hip joint often lead to a decreased range of motion, so you have difficulty moving as freely as before.
  • Swelling: Inflammatory conditions or injuries can cause swelling in the hip area, which may be accompanied by warmth.
  • Weakness: Hip pain can create muscle weakness around the hip joint, making it challenging and painful to bear weight or perform daily activities.
  • Instability: Some individuals may feel their hip is unstable or giving way, which can result from certain conditions or injuries affecting the hip joint.
  • Radiating pain: Hip pain can sometimes radiate to the thigh, knee or back.
  • Popping or clicking: A popping or clicking sensation in the hip joint can be a symptom of various hip conditions and instability.
  • Numbness or tingling: In some cases, hip pathology can be accompanied by lower back pain or lower back issues that may cause numbness or tingling.

It's important to note that specific symptoms and their severity can vary depending on the underlying cause of hip pain, including conditions like osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, hip impingement, tendinitis, hip labral tears or injuries.

When should I call my doctor about hip pain?

If you're experiencing persistent hip pain that interferes with your daily activities, notice any sudden, severe hip pain or experience a possible hip injury, it's crucial to consult an orthopedic doctor near you. Seeking timely medical advice ensures an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan to enhance your hip health and overall well-being.

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Hip pain causes

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Hip pain can be a distressing and debilitating issue and understanding the underlying causes is the first step toward finding relief. The hip is a complex joint with various structures and discomfort can originate from multiple sources. The common causes of hip pain include:

Arthritis

Arthritis can significantly impact the hip joint's health and functionality, causing discomfort and reduced mobility. Specifically, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can be major contributors to hip pain. Osteoarthritis results from the breakdown of cartilage in the hip joint, leading to pain and inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that affects the lining of the hip joint.

Fractures

A hip fracture occurs when the upper part of the thigh bone, forming the hip joint, breaks. This type of fracture often occurs due to a fall or direct trauma and is more common among older adults.

Osteoporosis contributes to hip fractures by weakening the bone density and structure, making the hip more susceptible to fractures. Preventive measures, including medication, dietary changes and fall prevention, are crucial in reducing the risk of hip fractures in individuals with osteoporosis.

Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis, also known as avascular necrosis, is caused by a lack of blood supply to bone tissue. It can affect various bones in the body, including the hip joint. In the case of hip osteonecrosis, the blood supply to the femoral head (the "ball" of the hip joint) becomes compromised, leading to the deterioration of bone tissue and causing pain, limited mobility and eventual joint damage.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a structural hip condition characterized by abnormal contact between the ball-and-socket parts of the hip joint. In a healthy hip, the femoral head (the "ball") moves smoothly within the acetabulum (the "socket"). However, with femoroacetabular impingement, structural irregularities in either of these areas cause them to rub against each other abnormally. This friction can lead to pain, reduced range of motion and the potential for hip joint damage over time.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is when the acetabulum (the “socket”) side of the hip is shallow or misshapen. This can lead to early arthritis, cartilage and labral tears, and hip pain. Hip dysplasia is more common in young women.

Perthes disease

Perthes disease, also called Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, is a rare childhood hip disorder that affects the blood supply to the femoral head—the rounded end of the femur bone in the hip joint. This lack of blood flow disrupts bone growth and can cause abnormalities in the hip, leading to pain and limited movement. Perthes disease typically occurs in children under ten years old.

Soft tissue conditions

Various soft tissue conditions can contribute to hip pain, including:

  • Greater trochanteric pain syndrome: Greater trochanteric pain syndrome, or hip bursitis, is when inflammation occurs on the lateral side of the hip, between tendons, muscles and bones around the hip joint. When this area of the hip becomes inflamed, it can lead to pain and limited movement in the hip.
  • Tendonitis: Tendonitis is irritation or inflammation of tendons near the hip joint. Tendons are strong, flexible bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. When they become inflamed, it can result in pain and reduced mobility in the hip. Overuse, sudden injuries or age-related degeneration can contribute to tendonitis.
  • Snapping hip syndrome: Snapping hip syndrome is a condition where a tendon or muscle "snaps" over a bone during specific hip movements. This snapping sensation can cause discomfort or pain in the hip region and may be associated with repetitive motion or muscle tightness. It can occur inside the hip or outside and is typically benign, but in some cases, it may lead to inflammation and discomfort.
  • Torn acetabular labrum: The acetabular labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the hip socket, providing stability and cushioning for the joint. When this cartilage is torn or damaged, it can lead to discomfort, instability and pain in the hip. Labral tears can be a result of acute trauma, repetitive movements or degeneration over time. Diagnosis often involves imaging tests like MRI scans, and treatment may include physical therapy or, in more severe cases, surgical intervention to repair the torn labrum.
woman sitting on bed holding should and lower back because of hip pain

Hip pain vs. sciatica

Hip pain and sciatica are distinct sources of discomfort, often confused due to their overlapping symptoms. Here are the key differences:

  • Hip pain

    Hip pain typically originates from the hip joint or the surrounding soft tissues. It can be caused by conditions such as hip dysplasia, femoroacetabular impingement, arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis or hip fractures. Pain is often in the groin, side of the hip or back of the hip. Movement, especially rotation or weight-bearing on the affected hip, worsens the pain.

  • Sciatica

    Sciatica is a type of nerve pain that starts in the lower back and extends down the sciatic nerve, which runs through the buttocks and down each leg. You may also experience tingling, numbness or burning sensations and movements like sitting, coughing or sneezing can exacerbate sciatica. Conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis can cause sciatica.

How to diagnose hip pain

Diagnosing hip pain requires a combination of clinical evaluation and medical imaging. Common diagnostic methods include:

Physical evaluation

A physical exam by your doctor looks for any physical abnormalities and listens for irregular sounds. The exam also looks at your mobility and range of motion. You will also be asked to go over your detailed medical history.

X-ray

X-rays provide detailed images of the hip joint, showcasing bone structure and any potential abnormalities.


CT scan

CT scans offer cross-sectional views of the hip joint, revealing subtle structural issues that may be missed in standard X-rays.


MRI scan

MRI scans focus on soft tissue, identifying ligament, muscle and cartilage problems contributing to hip pain.


Blood test

Blood tests can identify underlying conditions such as infection or systemic diseases that may be causing hip pain.

How to relieve hip pain at home

​​​​​​​​​​​​​Managing hip pain can involve several strategies aimed at reducing discomfort and improving mobility. Some effective approaches include:

RICE Method

The RICE Method, which stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation, effectively alleviates pain and inflammation in the hip joint, particularly following an injury. Rest ensures that the hip gets the necessary time to heal, and applying ice helps reduce inflammation and pain. Compression with a bandage can provide additional support and hip elevation can further assist in reducing swelling and discomfort.

Exercise

Regular hip-focused exercises are essential in strengthening the muscles around the hip joint, improving stability and reducing pain. These exercises may include gentle stretches, low-impact aerobics and strength training to enhance joint flexibility and functionality. A well-rounded exercise routine can contribute to better hip health and overall well-being.

Reducing the strain

To minimize hip pain, it's essential to avoid activities that exacerbate discomfort and maintain proper posture during daily tasks. Supportive aids such as canes or braces can offer relief and reduce strain on the hip joint, especially when mobility is affected.

Hip pain treatment

When at-home methods do not alleviate your hip pain, numerous medical treatments are available to provide relief. These treatments offer a full spectrum of options to address the underlying causes and improve hip function.

The treatment choice depends on the specific condition, the patient's overall health and treatment goals. Consulting with a healthcare professional is essential to determine the most suitable approach for managing hip pain and creating a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

  • Medication for hip pain

    Various medications are prescribed to manage hip pain. These include:

    • Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce discomfort associated with hip pain.
    • Prescription medications: In cases of severe pain, stronger prescription pain medications may be recommended.
    • Corticosteroid injections: Injections of corticosteroids into the hip joint can offer short-term relief by reducing inflammation and pain. A healthcare provider administers these injections.
  • Physical therapy

    Physical therapy plays a pivotal role in managing hip pain. Licensed physical therapists design tailored exercise programs to address hip issues and strengthen muscles. These exercises improve hip strength, flexibility and mobility while promoting proper biomechanics to reduce pain.

  • Complementary therapies

    Complementary therapies, including physical therapy, integrative medicine, acupuncture and chiropractic care, can address the underlying causes of hip pain. These therapies often focus on improving joint mobility, reducing muscle tension, enhancing overall joint health, providing additional options for pain relief and improving hip function.

  • Surgery

    Surgical procedures may be recommended when non-surgical treatments do not provide adequate relief or if you're living with a severe hip condition. These surgeries include:

    • Hip arthroscopy: This minimally invasive procedure uses small incisions and specialized instruments to diagnose and treat various hip issues. It's particularly effective for conditions like labral tears, impingement and small fragments of cartilage in the joint.
    • Periacetabular osteotomy: An osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting and reshaping bones. This procedure is performed on the pelvis to correct deformities such as hip dysplasia and acetabular retroversion.
    • Femoral osteotomy: This surgery involves performing osteotomies about the femur to correct deformities such as femoral retrotorsion, where the head of the femur is oriented backward, or excessive femoral anteversion when the head and neck of the femur are rotated forward in the hip joint.
    • Joint replacement surgery: Total hip replacement, also known as total hip arthroplasty, is considered for advanced cases of hip arthritis. The damaged hip joint is replaced with a prosthetic implant, which can significantly reduce pain and improve hip function.

       

Frequently asked questions

  • Can hip pain cause back pain?

    Yes, hip pain can cause back pain as the hip and back are intricately related. Often, hip pain can lead to changes in the mechanics of how we walk, sit and move. This can lead to overcompensation or changes in the lower back.

  • Can hip pain cause knee pain?

    Yes. Hip pain can be referred to the knee because of certain nerves and muscles that cross the hip joint.

  • What causes hip pain that radiates down the leg?

    Hip pain radiating down the leg is often associated with nerve compression or irritation, such as sciatica. A healthcare professional should evaluate it for an accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment.

  • What should I do if I experience hip pain while running?

    If you experience hip pain while running, reducing or modifying your activity is advisable to avoid exacerbating the pain. Be sure to consult your doctor for guidance on the best approach for pain management while running.

  • What should I do if I experience hip pain while sitting?

    Hip pain when sitting can have various causes, including poor posture or underlying medical conditions. You can try adjusting your sitting position, using supportive cushions or consult your doctor for appropriate relief strategies.

  • Why does hip pain feel worse at night or while sleeping? How do I relieve hip pain while sleeping?

    Hip pain at night or during sleep can be due to changes in position or pressure on the hip joint. It also may be more noticeable when you are relaxed and lying down. To improve comfort, consider sleeping with a pillow between your legs or on the unaffected side and icing the hip. If the pain persists, consult your doctor.

  • Is hip pain during pregnancy common?

    Hip pain during pregnancy can occur and is relatively common. It often results from ligament, weight and hormonal changes. It's essential to consult your OBGYN for proper management and relief strategies.

  • How do I reduce hip pain without surgery?

    Reducing hip pain without surgery often involves conservative methods like rest, physical therapy, medications or lifestyle modifications. The most suitable approach depends on the underlying cause of your hip pain.

  • What links hip pain and lower back pain?

    Hip pain and lower back pain can happen at the same time through connected nerves and muscles. A healthcare professional can help determine the cause and establish a tailored treatment plan.