What is Hip Pain?
Hip pain is the sensation of discomfort in or around the hip joint, where the upper end of the thigh bone fits into the socket of the hip bone. One may not feel pain from hip directly over the hip area, but may feel it in the groin or in thigh or knee.
What are the manifestations of Hip Pain?
Symptoms depend on the cause and can vary in intensity from mild to severe, but typical symptoms can include:
Stiffness in the muscles and hip joint
Reduced range of motion in the hips
Pain in the hip joint(s) which is increased when pressure is added to the affected area
Difficulty putting weight on the hip, such as sleeping on your hip or bending over
Groin pain
Lower back pain
Swelling around and over the hip
An unusual feeling of warmth (heat) around the hip
Who is prone to Hip Pain?
People of all ages can experience hip pain, but older people are more likely to develop it due to arthritis and bone fractures. Dancers, gymnasts and other athletes who move their hips in all directions are more likely to injure their hip joint(s), especially from overuse.
What causes Hip Pain?
Hip pain may be caused by problems in the bones or cartilage of the hip, and may be due to injuries or arthritis also. Common causes of hip pain are:
Arthritis - Osteoarthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
Bursitis -- Pain when sitting, getting up from a chair, driving, etc.
Hamstring strain
Hip flexor strain
Hip impingement syndrome or Femoral acetabular impingement -- abnormal growth around your hip that is a precursor to hip arthritis. It can cause pain with movement and exercises.