The hip joint allows significant flexibility and movement of the lower body. However, hips joints can become damaged due to injuries, overuse, or wear and tear from osteoarthritis. This can lead to hip pain that affects mobility and quality of life. Here is an in-depth look at hip pain, including causes, diagnosis, treatment options and home remedies.
What causes hip pain?
Several conditions can result in hip pain, including:
• Osteoarthritis: The most common cause of hip pain is osteoarthritis where the cushioning cartilage breaks down over time. This leads to friction and inflammation in the joint.
• Fracture: A broken bone in the hip region from an injury or fall can damage joints and ligaments, causing persistent hip pain.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip bone and muscles can cause hip pain and stiffness.
• Referred pain: Some hip pain originates from other parts of the body like the lower back and radiates to the hip region.
• Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons that attach muscles to the hip bone is a common source of hip pain.
• Avascular necrosis: Loss of blood supply to the head of the femur bone can damage tissue and lead to hip pain.
• Infection: Bacterial or fungal infections of the hip joint present with fever, chills and extreme hip pain.
• Labral tear: Damage to the cartilage ring surrounding the hip joint can cause sudden or persistent hip pain.
Symptoms of hip pain
To accurately diagnose the underlying cause of hip pain, your doctor will:
• Aching or throbbing pain in the groin, hip, or upper thigh region that worsens with activity
• Pain that radiates down the leg
• Stiffness, tenderness or pain in the hip that limits mobility
• Grating, popping or clicking sensation in the hip joint
• Pain at night that disturbs sleep
• Swelling or redness around the hip
Diagnosis of hip pain
• Take a thorough medical history and ask about symptoms
• Perform a physical exam including range of motion tests
• Order imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans or MRI to check for abnormalities or signs of arthritis, fractures and other causes.
Treatment and home remedies for hip pain
Based on the diagnosis, treatment options may include:
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatories and steroid injections into the joint
• Physical therapy: Exercises to improve mobility, range of motion and strength
• Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, limiting high impact activities
• Assistive devices: Canes, walkers or hip braces for support
• Joint replacement surgery: If conservative treatments fail to relieve pain
Home remedies for hip pain include heat or ice packs, massage, yoga stretches and dietary changes like consuming anti-inflammatory foods and supplements.
Prevention of hip pain focuses on maintaining a healthy weight, strength training the hip muscles, and modifying activities that cause stress or strain to the hip joints.
Complications of untreated severe hip pain include increased pain, reduced mobility, falls and fractures, depression and sleep disturbances.
Hip replacement surgery may be recommended for relieving severe hip pain related to advanced arthritis when other options provide little relief.
Common FAQs about Hip Pain
• What exercises help hip pain?
Stretches and low-impact exercises like cycling, swimming and yoga can ease hip pain and improve mobility.
• How long does hip bursitis last?
Hip bursitis typically resolves within a few weeks with treatment but can become chronic without proper care.
• Can hip pain be in the back?
Referred pain from a back condition like sciatica can feel like it’s originating from the hip.
Key terms: hip pain, osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, avascular necrosis, labral tear, hip replacement surgery, home remedies for hip pain