Hip Pain: Causes and Treatment Options

1. Arthritis – Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are among the most common causes of hip pain. It is often characterized by pain in the groin or in the front of the thigh. Arthritis of the hip most commonly affects women.
2. Tendonitis – Tendons, which surround the hip can get inflamed due to overuse, causing pain during movement of the hip joint.
3. Bursitis– The fluid-filled sac known as bursa lie between the bone, muscles, and tendons, acting like a cushion during movement of the hip joint. These sacs are critical to joint function. If the sac around the hip becomes irritated or inflamed, movement can become difficult and painful. This usually occurs due to repetitive activities that overwork the hip joint.
4. Hernia – Femoral and inguinal hernias may cause frontal hip pain. Inguinal hernia often occurs in pregnant women due to pressure imposed on the abdomen during pregnancy.
5. Hip fractures and other injuries – Conditions such as osteoporosis can predispose an individual to hip fractures. The outward turning of the toes on the injured side, or difficulty straightening, lifting, or standing on the affected leg may be signs of hip fracture.
6. Hip labral tear – The ring of cartilage along the outside rim of the hip socket can tear due to trauma or overuse. The labrum secures and cushions the ball at the top of the thighbone within the hip socket. Athletes and people who perform repetitive twisting movements are prone to developing labral tears.
7. Back Problems – Hip pain can sometimes be caused by issues affecting the back, such as misalignment, hernia, sciatica, and muscle weakness.

Not all hip and pelvis pain is caused directly by issues of the hip joint or tissues surrounding it. In women, a condition known as endometriosis can occur when endometrial tissue appears on the outside of the uterus, causing pain in the pelvis.