Hip pain is an extremely common complaint that can happen as a result of a wide range of problems and conditions. Hip pain may radiate in the buttocks, outer hip, or even upper thighs, depending on the source of pain and your particular body. For most people, hip pain occurs because of a problem or injury to the tissue located in and around the hip joint. The hip is very important in that it is what allows the leg to move up and down and left and right. The ball and socket joint is surrounded by strong, resilient muscles and ligaments that work together to keep you on your feet, literally. The upper part of the leg is the femur, which is the largest bone in the body. The femoral head (the ball-like end of the femur) fits into the pelvic bone, forming the hip joint. The pelvis is connected by these two hip bones, which all support the weight of the body and give us range of motion.
The exact cause or source of hip pain isn’t always easy to track down, namely because some symptoms that may seem like hip problems are actually back problems. This is why it is so important you contact a healthcare professional to schedule an appointment if you are experiencing hip pain. A specialist will evaluate you and be able to determine why you are in pain. In some cases, it may be necessary to order x-rays or other tests to help us see what exactly is going on.
Common Causes of Hip Pain
If you experience hip pain seemingly out of nowhere, the first thing you should do is rest. If the pain is not improving after rest or the appropriate over-the-counter medication, then something more serious could be going on and you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. If the pain is not very severe but has been present for a long time, that is another sign you should schedule an appointment with a specialist. Hip pain can interfere with day-to-day activities and your quality of life, something we are here to help you with.
- When did the pain start?
- Is it persistent or does it come and go?
- Do you have discomfort anywhere else?
- What have you done to try and relieve the pain?
- What has worked for you and what hasn’t?
Some of the most common causes of hip pain include:
- Injury to hips
- Improperly lifting heavy objects
- Injury to legs or back
- Back or groin pain
- Degenerative disc disease