Causes And Treatments Of Hip Pain

Causes And Treatments Of Hip Pain

Causes And Treatments Of Hip Pain

Updated on 11/27/2023
Mai DelacruzBy Mai Delacruz
Personal Fitness Trainer & Health Coach
Learn More about Mai Delacruz

The hip pain is resilient and can sustain significant motion and wear and tear. This ball-and-socket joint, which is the biggest in the body, is fitted together in such a way that it enables smooth movement.

When the hip is used (for example, when going for a run), a cushion of cartilage helps avoid the friction caused by the movement of the hip bone in its socket. That happens whenever the hip is used.

Causes And Treatments Of Hip Pain

Causes And Treatments Of Hip Pain

Despite its resilience, the hip joint is not entirely impervious to damage. The cartilage can deteriorate or become damaged with both age and use. It's possible to overwork the tendons and muscles of your hip. Hip bones are susceptible to breaking in the event of a fall or other damage. Hip pain can be brought on by any one of these disorders.

The following is a list of probable variables that might be to blame for the discomfort you are feeling in your hips, as well as some ideas for reducing hip discomfort.

Reasons for Hip Pain

Listed below are some of the most common conditions that, if left untreated, can lead to discomfort in the hip:

Reasons for Hip Pain

Reasons for Hip Pain

  • Arthritis: Common kinds of arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. They are also two of the most prevalent reasons for hip pain, especially among the elderly. Hip pain, stiffness, and inflammation are all symptoms of arthritis, a degenerative disease that wears away at the cartilage that normally cushions your bones. These are two of the symptoms that people with the disease exhibit. The longer one endures the discomfort, the more severe it will get. Patients with arthritis typically complain of hip stiffness and suffer a reduced range of motion due to their illness. Arthritis can also cause joint pain. Learn more about the common degenerative disorder known as osteoarthritis, which can damage the hip.
  • Hip fractures:  As we become older, there is a greater chance that our bones may become brittle and fracture easily. In the event of a fall, weaker bones are more prone to fracture than healthy ones. By conducting more research, you may learn more about the warning signs and symptoms of a hip fracture.
hip tendonitis

hip tendonitis

  • Bursitis: Bursae are fluid-filled sacs located between several types of tissues, including bone, muscles, and tendons. Bursae may be found in the body, and they lessen the friction caused when these tissues rub against one another in this way. If the bursae become inflamed, the patient may experience some pain due to the condition. Repetitive motions that overwork or irritate the hip joint are often the cause of bursitis, which is an inflammation of the bursae. An ailment known as bursitis is one that is comparable to it. Learn more about the discomfort and immobility that can be caused by hip bursitis by reading up on the topic.
  • Tendinitis: Tendons are dense bands of connective tissue that link the bones to the muscles at the places of origin of the forces. In the medical sector, the term "tendinitis" refers to an inflammation or irritation of the tendons, which is what the condition known by that name is known as. Most of the time, it is brought on by the tension that develops due to excessive usage or repeated actions. Investigate the symptoms of tendinitis to learn more about this condition.
hip pain

hip pain

  • The muscle or tendon is subjected to a pull or strain: When subjected to activities that need to be repeated, the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the hips can get stressed. That can cause the hips to become unstable. When inflamed due to prolonged use, they can cause pain and prevent the hip from working correctly. That is because they are responsible for the hip joint, which may control the hip from moving correctly. Get familiar with the most efficient stretching techniques so that you may loosen up your stiff hip muscles.
  • Hip labral tear: Your cartilage ring also called the labrum, which surrounds and follows the rim of the socket in your hip joint, has developed a rip. This tear is what we call a labral tear. In the event of a fall, weaker bones are more prone to fracture than healthy ones. In addition to these two functions, the labrum helps ensure that your hip is appropriately aligned. Those who do not engage in activities that require them to twist their bodies on a regular basis have a lower chance of getting this ailment than those who do participate in activities that need them to twist their bodies on a regular basis.This includes athletes. Gain a greater understanding regarding tears in the labrum of the hip.
hip pain

hip pain

  • Cancers: Hip discomfort and pain in other body bones may be caused by tumors originating in the bone itself or spreading to the bone after having been located in another part of the body. These tumors can also apply to the bone after being found elsewhere in the body. Gain a greater understanding of the many cancers that can affect the bone.
  • Avascular necrosis (also called osteonecrosis): This condition occurs when there is a decrease in the volume of blood that flows to the hip bone, ultimately resulting in the bone tissue's death. It is also known as hip ischemia. Even while it is possible for it to take place in other bones, avascular necrosis mostly always takes place in the hip bone. This syndrome can be caused by a hip fracture or dislocation and long-term, high-dose steroid usage (such as prednisone).In contrast, there is a wide range of additional potential reasons that might be taken into consideration.

The Signs And Symptoms Of Hip Pain

causes of hip pain

causes of hip pain

Depending on the ailment that's causing the pain in your hip, you can also experience the agony in your:

  • Thigh
  • the area within the hip joint
  • Groin
  • It is located away from the hip joint.
  • Buttocks

Pain that originates in another part of the body, such as the back or groin (from a hernia), can occasionally travel to the hip and cause discomfort.

Especially if arthritis is to blame for your discomfort, you could find that your pain worsens when you engage in physical activity. In addition to the discomfort, you can also experience a restricted range of motion. Because of ongoing hip discomfort, some people end up walking with a limp.

Reliever Of Hip Pain

hip pain blog

hip pain blog

Acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen are two options, both available without a prescription and over-the-counter, seem to be enough to ease the discomfort associated with hip pain that is caused by a stretched muscle or tendon, osteoarthritis, or tendinitis. These conditions can also be the cause of hip pain.

Other therapies for rheumatoid arthritis include disease-modifying anti-rheumatic medicines (DMARDs), including methotrexate and sulfasalazine, biologics, which target the immune system, and prescription anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids.

The application of ice to the affected area for around 15 minutes at a time, many times daily, is yet another method that one may use to alleviate hip pain. If you want to feel better, give the afflicted joint as much rest as possible until you do. There's also the option of heating the space. Warming up your muscles with a bath or shower will help prepare them for stretching activities that can help reduce discomfort.

hip popping

hip popping

If you have arthritis, performing exercises on your hip joint that involve low-impact movements, stretching, and resistance training can help alleviate joint discomfort and increase joint mobility. For people with arthritis, an excellent low-impact exercise would be swimming, which may also improve your range of motion via physical therapy.

When osteoarthritis progresses to the point where the pain is intolerable or the hip joint becomes distorted, a total hip replacement (also known as arthroplasty) may be an option that one should consider. In some cases, fractures of the hip might require surgical intervention to repair the fracture or replace the hip.

hip pain

hip pain

If the discomfort does not go away or if you see swelling, you should seek medical attention, redness, or warmth around the joint, you should contact your health care practitioner as soon as possible. Also, give us a call if you experience discomfort in your hip when you are relaxing or when you are sleeping.

You Should Seek Immediate Medical Attention If Any Of The Following Apply:

  • The discomfort in my hip appeared out of nowhere.
  • The hip discomfort was brought on by either a fall or another damage.
  • Your joint either has a deformity or seems to be bleeding.
  • When you wounded the joint, you heard a popping noise coming from within it.
You Should Seek Immediate Medical Attention

You Should Seek Immediate Medical Attention

  • The discomfort is severe.
  • You are unable to put any pressure or weight on your hip.
  • You have no movement in either your leg or your hip.

In spite of its sturdy nature, the hip joint is not impervious to any kind of harm that may be inflicted upon it. Both aging and use can contribute to a loss of cartilage quality or injury. It is easy to overwork the tendons and muscles in your hip if you do so frequently. The hip bones are fragile and can be broken easily in the case of a fall or other types of trauma. Hip pain can be brought on by any one of these diseases or conditions.