About Hip Pain

Hip pain refers to discomfort felt in or around the hip joint—a crucial area where your thigh bone (femur) meets the pelvis. As one of the body’s major weight-bearing joints, the hip plays a key role in motion, stability, and balance. Discomfort in this region may range from mild and occasional to chronic and limiting.

The specific area of pain often hints at the cause:

• Surface-level pain may signal muscle, tendon, or ligament strain.
• Deep internal pain usually originates from bone or cartilage damage.
• Sometimes, discomfort radiates to the lower back or groin.
  Many individuals feel pain only during movement (like walking or climbing), while others experience night-time pain—especially when sleeping on the affected side.
  
  Home remedies such as rest and over-the-counter medications can help in mild cases. However, if pain becomes persistent or begins affecting your ability to move, it’s time to consult a specialist.

Types of Hip Pain

• Osteoarthritis – Gradual cartilage wear and joint friction
• Bursitis – Inflamed fluid sacs causing localized pain
• Labral Tears – Cartilage injury common in athletes or active individuals
• Hip Impingement (FAI) – Irregular bone growth causing restricted motion
• Tendonitis – Overuse injury leading to tendon inflammation
• Referred Pain – Pain from spine, pelvis, or gynecological causes
• Inflammatory Arthritis – Conditions like RA, ankylosing spondylitis

Signs and Symptoms of Hip Pain

• Localized Pain
  
  • Groin pain (joint-related issues)
  • Outer hip pain (bursitis/tendonitis)
  • Buttock pain (SI joint or deep muscle involvement)
  • Movement worsens symptoms such as climbing stairs or long walks
• Stiffness
  
  • Often worse in mornings or after rest
  • Gradually eases with activity
• Radiating Pain
  
  • May spread to the thigh, knee, or back
  • Nerve involvement could cause burning, tingling, or numbness
• Systemic Symptoms
  
  • Fatigue, fever, or swelling—may indicate infection or autoimmune disease

Hip Pain Causes

• Degeneration – Cartilage breakdown over time
• Trauma – Accidents, falls, or repetitive stress injuries
• Autoimmune Conditions – Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus
• Infections – Septic arthritis or post-surgical complications
• Structural Disorders – Hip dysplasia, avascular necrosis

Hip Pain Risk Factors

• Age (50+ higher risk)
• Obesity
• High-impact sports
• Family history of arthritis or hip disorders
• Conditions like diabetes or spinal problems

Hip Pain Complications

• Mobility Loss – Untreated degeneration leads to joint collapse and dependence on aids
• Infections – Untreated septic arthritis can become life-threatening
• Deformity – Ankylosing spondylitis may lead to spinal fusion or joint contractures

Hip Pain Diagnosis

• Physical Exam – Assesses pain location, gait, range of motion, and response to specific tests (e.g., FABER/FADIR)
• Imaging
  
  • X-rays – Detect arthritis or fractures
  • MRI/CT – For soft tissue damage, labral tears, or complex bone issues
• Blood Tests – Inflammatory markers, rheumatoid factor, uric acid
• Joint Fluid Analysis – For suspected infection or crystal-induced arthritis

Hip Pain Treatment

• Medications (Only under specialist supervision)
  
  • NSAIDs
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • DMARDs or biologics
• Physiotherapy – Improve flexibility and hip strength
• Lifestyle Changes – Low-impact exercise, weight loss, ergonomic adjustments

Hip Pain Surgical Options

• Hip Replacement (THA)
  
  • Suitable for severe arthritis or necrosis
  • Offers lasting pain relief and improved mobility
  • Can be robotic-assisted or minimally invasive
• Hip Arthroscopy
  
  • For labral repair, impingement correction, or cartilage trimming
  • Minimally invasive with quicker recovery