What Causes My Hip To Hurt?

By Jared S Ernest, PT

What Could Cause My Hip to Hurt?

Hip pain can have many causes and it is important to be able to recognize the cause as the treatment can vary. The first cause of hip pain can be osteoarthritis. This problem happens when the cartilage (spongy tissue that cushions the joints) deteriorates causing the bones of the hips to rub together. The pain that occurs is usually in the groin or buttocks. Problems associated with OA typically include loss of motion at the hip and increased pain with weight bearing activities. OA does usually require increased long term modification of activity.

The second cause of hip pain may be rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease which causes the body to inflict damage on itself by mistake. This condition damages the lining of the affected joints, causing painful swelling that can result in joint deformity and bone erosion.

Hip Tendonitis

Next is hip tendonitis. The culprit of this issue is usually overuse, which puts many athletes (especially runners) at risk. This problem occurs in the band of tissue that connects the muscle to the bone. The pain that occurs is usually a dull, deep ache in the groin that increases with climbing steps or rising from a chair.

Lastly, there is the problem of hip bursitis. As you may have guessed this condition is an inflammation of the bursae, which is a cushioning sac of fluid that lies under the hip tendon. When the bursa is inflamed it becomes hard and swollen causing pain when the hip tendon moves over it. The main sign of this condition is pinpoint burning pain over the outside of hip joint.

Related Articles: Exercises we do for hip pain and Anatomy of the Hip.

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