Hip pain is pain or discomfort felt in or around the hip joint. Its location varies, and the discomfort can spread to the lower back or groin. The pain can occur near the surface or deeper inside the joint, and some people notice more discomfort in the morning while others feel it at night when they lie on the affected side.
Understanding Hip Pain
The hip joint connects the thigh bone to the pelvis. It is one of the largest joints in the body, and people use it to move, support their weight and maintain balance. Hip pain can be temporary or persistent, and when the joint is affected, walking or standing can become difficult.
Identifying Common Causes
Several conditions cause hip pain. Arthritis is a common cause, and injuries such as muscle strains, fractures, and labral tears can also affect the joint. Bursitis causes painful swelling in a fluid-filled sac, and structural conditions can affect the shape of the hip when they develop before birth or during growth. Common causes of hip pain include:
- Arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
- Bursitis, including iliopectineal and trochanteric bursitis
- Injuries such as muscle strains, labral tears, fractures and dislocations
- Structural conditions, including femoroacetabular impingement and developmental dysplasia
Symptoms vary. Some people feel discomfort during certain movements, while others experience a persistent ache that affects daily activities. Stiffness and swelling can occur around the joint, and clicking or popping sensations can accompany these symptoms. When pain spreads toward the knee or lower back, the location of the discomfort may not identify its source.
Reviewing Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the pain. The RICE method combines rest, ice, compression and elevation, and over-the-counter NSAIDs or acetaminophen can help relieve discomfort. When these medications are used for pain, they should not be taken for more than 10 days in a row without guidance from a provider. Physical therapy can strengthen the muscles around the hip, and providers may recommend it for arthritis or structural issues.
Other treatments address pain that persists despite these measures. Steroid injections guided by ultrasound provide targeted treatment, while platelet-rich plasma injections and prolotherapy encourage tissue repair. When pain remains severe or resistant, radiofrequency ablation can disrupt nerve signals, and neuromodulation can address pain that has not responded to other methods. Surgery may be recommended when pain is severe and other treatments have not helped, and procedures include hip arthroscopy and hip replacement.
Preventing Future Discomfort
Some hip pain cannot be prevented. Protective equipment can help during physical activity, and stretching before and after exercise can reduce the risk of injury. When people rest after intense activity, they allow their bodies time to recover, and keeping floors clear can also reduce fall hazards. Proper tools can help prevent falls when reaching elevated areas, while a cane or walker can provide support when needed.
Talk to a Provider Today
Persistent or worsening hip pain warrants medical evaluation. A provider can assess the cause, and treatment depends on the condition and its severity. When pain affects daily activities or lasts more than a few days without improving, seek medical care, and seek emergency care after a fall or car accident. Prompt evaluation can identify the source of pain and guide treatment. Find a clinic in your area today.
