Hip pain can be a frustrating and debilitating condition that affects people of all ages and backgrounds.

Whether it’s a dull ache, sharp discomfort, or a persistent throbbing, hip pain can interfere with your daily activities and quality of life. To effectively address hip pain, it’s essential to understand its causes and recognize the symptoms early.

Here’s the common causes of hip pain and the symptoms associated with each, helping you gain insight into your condition and guiding you toward appropriate care and treatment.

COMMON CAUSES OF HIP PAIN

Arthritis: Arthritis is one of the leading causes of hip pain, particularly among older adults. Osteoarthritis, also known as wear-and-tear arthritis, occurs when the hip joint’s cartilage gradually wears away, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, can also affect the hip joint.

Bursitis: Bursitis occurs when the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint, become inflamed. This inflammation leads to pain on the outer side of the hip, often exacerbated by physical activity.

Tendinitis: Tendinitis is the inflammation of tendons that attach muscles to the hip joint. Overuse or repetitive movements can lead to tendinitis and result in hip pain. This condition often affects athletes and individuals engaged in strenuous physical activities.

Hip Fracture: A hip fracture is a severe injury that requires immediate medical attention. It often occurs in older adults, particularly those with weakened bones (osteoporosis). Hip fractures cause sudden and severe hip pain, along with difficulty in moving the leg.

Hip Labral Tear: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the hip socket. A tear in the labrum can result from injury or structural abnormalities in the hip joint, leading to pain and limited hip movement.

Muscle Strains: Straining or tearing the muscles and tendons around the hip can cause acute hip pain. Such injuries can occur during sports or accidents.

Hip Impingement: Also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), this condition occurs when the ball and socket of the hip joint don’t fit together correctly. It can cause pain and limited range of motion.

Sciatica: Sciatica is a condition where the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down the legs, becomes compressed or irritated. This compression can result in hip pain, often accompanied by lower back discomfort and leg pain.

Infection: Infections in the hip joint, although less common, can cause severe hip pain, fever, and discomfort.

SYMPTOMS OF HIP PAIN

The symptoms of hip pain can vary depending on the underlying cause. It’s essential to recognize these symptoms early and seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Here are common hip pain symptoms related to different causes:

Arthritis
Dull, aching pain in the hip or groin: Arthritic hip pain often starts gradually and intensifies over time.

Stiffness: You may experience stiffness in the hip joint, particularly after periods of inactivity.

Reduced range of motion: Arthritis can limit your hip’s range of motion, making it challenging to perform certain activities.

Bursitis
Sharp pain on the outer side of the hip: Bursitis typically causes localized pain on the outside of the hip, which can radiate down the thigh.

Pain worsens with movement: Activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or prolonged periods of standing can exacerbate bursitis pain.

Tendinitis
Pain around the hip joint: Tendinitis leads to pain in the hip area, particularly during or after physical activity.

Swelling and tenderness: The affected hip may appear swollen and feel tender to the touch.

Reduced strength: You may experience weakness in the hip and thigh.

Hip Fracture
Sudden and severe pain: A hip fracture causes immediate, intense pain, making it challenging to put weight on the affected leg.

Limited range of motion: Hip fractures often result in reduced mobility, with the leg appearing shorter or turned outward.

Hip Labral Tear
Hip pain or discomfort: Labral tears lead to persistent hip pain, particularly during certain movements.

Catching or locking sensation: Some individuals report sensations of the hip joint catching or locking.

Muscle Strains
Sharp pain: Muscle strains can result in sudden and sharp pain in the hip area.

Swelling and bruising: The affected hip may become swollen and bruised.

Difficulty moving the leg: You may find it challenging to move or bear weight on the affected leg.

Hip Impingement
Hip pain during specific movements: Pain often occurs during activities that require hip flexion or rotation, such as squatting or pivoting.

Limited range of motion: Impingement can restrict the hip’s range of motion, making it difficult to perform certain movements.

Sciatica
Radiating pain: Sciatica typically causes pain that radiates from the lower back into the hip, buttock, and down the leg.

Tingling or numbness: You may experience tingling or numbness in the leg.

Muscle weakness: Some individuals may notice weakness in the leg affected by sciatica.

Infection
Severe pain: Hip joint infections can cause intense and persistent pain in the hip area.

Fever and chills: Infections are often accompanied by systemic symptoms, such as fever and chills.

If you’re experiencing hip pain, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional or a specialist such as an orthopedic doctor or a chiropractor for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. Early intervention can lead to effective treatment and better outcomes.

SEEKING THE RIGHT TREATMENT

Once the cause of your hip pain is identified, you and your healthcare provider can determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Depending on the underlying condition, treatment options may include physical therapy, medications, rest, lifestyle modifications, or in some cases, surgery.

Chiropractic care is also a valuable option for individuals seeking natural and non-invasive approaches to managing and alleviating hip pain.

Chiropractors, with their expertise in musculoskeletal health, can address hip pain by:

• Conducting a comprehensive examination to identify the cause of hip pain.
• Developing personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s condition and needs.
• Using non-invasive techniques, including spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitative exercises to alleviate hip pain.
• Providing guidance on improving posture, ergonomics, and lifestyle to prevent future hip pain.

Chiropractic care is a holistic approach that not only aims to alleviate symptoms but also addresses the underlying causes of hip pain. Whether your hip pain is due to arthritis, bursitis, or another condition, chiropractic care can play a significant role in your journey toward recovery.

Understanding the common causes and symptoms of hip pain is the first step in effectively managing this condition. If you or a loved one is experiencing hip pain, call Joint & Spine Rehabilitation at (201) 445-1079 for a thorough evaluation. Early intervention can lead to timely treatment and improved quality of life.

By gaining insight into your condition and seeking the right treatment, you can regain control over your life and enjoy the activities you love without the burden of hip pain.