The hip is one of the largest weight-bearing joints in the body. The hip handles a lot of activity, so it can develop problems gradually over time or suddenly after an injury. Learning about diagnostic methods to identify the cause of hip pain, as well as available treatment approaches, may help people make informed decisions about their care.
What Causes Hip Pain?
Hip pain often results from conditions affecting the bones, cartilage, tendons, or surrounding soft tissues. The smooth cartilage covering the ends of the bones in the hip joint can gradually wear down with age. As this protective layer thins, the bone surfaces may rub against each other. This friction leads to ongoing inflammation, and this can result in stiffness, reduced mobility, and pain. Other causes include:
- Bursitis: Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones and soft tissues. Overuse or repetitive motion can irritate these sacs, causing them to become inflamed and tender.
- Tendinitis: Tendons connect muscles to bones. When the tendons around the hip experience repeated strain, they may become inflamed, a condition called tendinitis.
- Labral tears: The labrum is a ring of cartilage along the rim of the hip socket, and it cushions the joint and helps hold the head of the thigh bone in place. An acute injury or repetitive strain can tear this tissue.
A fracture is a break in a bone. A dislocation occurs when the head of the thigh bone slips out of its socket. Both may result from car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Older adults face a higher likelihood of fractures because bones tend to weaken with age.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Diagnosing hip pain usually begins with a review of the patient’s history, and a provider may ask when symptoms started and which activities affect them. A physical examination often follows, evaluating range of motion, checking for tenderness or swelling, and testing muscle strength. Imaging tests may provide additional detail.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment plans generally depend on the cause and severity of the condition. Physical therapy can form the foundation of hip pain management for some; guided exercises aim to improve flexibility, strengthen the muscles that support the hip, and encourage healthy movement patterns. Structured activity also helps counter stiffness and muscle weakness, which may develop with inactivity.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can affect the hips. For people with this condition, providers may prescribe disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which are intended to slow disease progression. Regenerative medicine uses naturally derived substances that aim to support the body’s own repair processes, and some options include:
- PRP therapy, which uses a concentrated portion of the patient’s own blood
- Stem cell therapy, which uses cells that can develop into different tissue types
- Prolotherapy, which involves injecting a solution intended to prompt a healing response
- Viscosupplementation, which adds a gel-like lubricating substance to the joint
Corticosteroid injections may be used in some cases to deliver anti-inflammatory medication into or near the hip joint.
Confer With Pain Management Specialists
Discomfort that persists for several weeks or disrupts sleep and daily activities can merit an evaluation. Pain management specialists focus on identifying the sources of pain, and they may coordinate nonsurgical treatment strategies. Meeting with a pain management specialist can help patients better understand their condition, allowing them to explore options suited to their individual goals.
