What is the Cause of Hip Pain?

Hip joint pain is a very common complaint, with a number of causes, some of which can be complex to diagnose. The general rule is to hold off on hip exercises or other treatment until you've figured out why you're so sore.

When experiencing a painful hip it is quite possible that the pain isn't actually originating in your hip, but elsewhere, and manifesting itself in the hip area.

What could cause this?

• poor standing posture
• poor sitting posture
• painful foot problems
• sore knees
• lower back pain radiating to the hip

As is often the case with many of our aches and pains, if left untreated they easily travel to other parts of our body causing disruption there, as well. For instance, someone who has knee arthritis may likely favor one leg over the other, resulting in an imbalance in the hips. Over time, even a very short period of time, the hip will begin to feel the ill effects of this. This is why hip and knee pain, hip and leg pain, hip and lower back pain often go hand-in-hand.

It is important to understand the source of your symptoms before beginning treatment, as treating those first may be the most useful step, and possibly the only step needed, for hip pain relief. In my case, I get hip pain after sitting. 

My remedy - some walking and hip stretching exercises, both of which can be helpful for an arthritis hip pain flare up.

When should you consult a doctor? If you have the following hip pain symptoms, or other symptoms that just don't feel right.

• swelling, redness or warmth in the area of the pain
• fever accompanying the pain
• severe pain
• excessive hip pain while sleeping or in a resting position
• pain caused by recent injury
• inability to stand or walk without a lot a pain

You may also be interested in:
Hip Exercises, Hip Flexors

Other Hip Pain Causes and Treatments

Arthritis: Due to their degenerative nature, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the major causes of chronic hip pain.

Strained muscles: The muscles surrounding the hip and pelvic area can become strained and cause pain in the hip area. Groin pulls and hamstring strains commonly contribute to this type of pain.

Tendonitis: Tendonitis can occur in any of the tendons that surround the hip joint.

Bursitis: Trochanteric bursitis, which causes inflammation of the bursea over the outside of the hip joint, is a very common problem.

Spinal Pain: Many spinal problems can cause pain to radiate to the hip area. The most common are herniated discs and sciatica.

Hip Fracture: Elderly individuals with osteoporosis are the most likely to have hip fractures, resulting in either hip replacement surgery, or surgery to repair the damaged area.

Avascular Necrosis: When bone is deprived of its normal blood flow avascular necrosis may occur. This may happen after a long-term cortisone treatment, direct injury to the hip joint or after an organ transplant.

Snapping Hip Syndrome: Just as its name implies snapping hip syndrome is accompanied by a loud snap, or popping sound, when the hip is flexed or extended. Because of the nature of their movements many dancers and athletes are afflicted with this. The term is used to describe three types of problems:

• Iliotibial band snap
• Iliopsoas tendon snap
• Hip labral tear

Check with your health care provider before starting any treatment for your painful hip, as recommendations vary depending on intensity and causes of hip pain.

Treatment recommendations may include:

Rest: When the discomfort initially begins resting may be one of the best remedies. Laying on a firm surface will remove pressure from the hip joints.

Walking Aids: If putting pressure on the hip joint causes discomfort, using a cane or crutches may be necessary.

Ice and Heat: Typically, ice therapy is applied immediately after the onset of pain to reduce swelling and continues to be applied for a couple of days. After this time heat is often used to help loosen tissues and relax the affected area.

Physical Therapy Exercise: Physical therapy that makes use of gentle hip stretching exercises can be useful as the pain subsides. Walking for exercise is also beneficial.

Medication: A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, NSAID, is commonly prescribed for patients with hip pain caused by bursitis, tendonitis and arthritis.

Preventing Hip Pain

In many instances there are preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the incidents of pain in the hip joints.

Bending properly: Just as a balanced posture is important when standing it is also important to bend in a way that one side isn't being favored over the other.

Maintain reasonable weight: Since each pound on your body puts additional pressure on your joints weight maintenance is extremely important.

Warm up and stretching exercise: Prior to physical activity muscles should have appropriate warm up and stretching exercise so as not to risk injury to the hip flexors. Stretching should also be done after activity.

Avoid foot problems: A painful foot problem tends to make us walk in an unnatural manner, thus creating imbalance in the pelvis. Avoid this by wearing appropriate footwear and talking to your doctor about your discomforts.

Sit upright: Keep your hips positioned properly by sitting upright and not leaning from side to side. Avoid leg crossing. Sitting posture can be as important as standing posture.

Avoid inactivity: Unless advised otherwise, regularly do hip exercises such as stretching and walking to maintain mobility of the hip joint.