Hip Pain
What is Hip Pain?
Hip pain, one of the common symptoms that patients complain of, may not always be felt precisely over the hip joint. Pain may be felt in and around the hip joint and the cause for pain is multifactorial. The exact position of your hip pain suggests the probable cause or underlying condition causing pain. Pain felt inside the hip joint or your groin area is more likely to be because of the problems within the hip joint. Likewise, the pain felt on the outer side of your hip, upper thigh or buttocks may be a result of the problems of the muscles, ligaments, tendons and soft tissues surrounding the hip joint. However, certain disease conditions affecting other parts of your body such as lower back or knees also cause hip pain.
Causes of Hip Pain
There are a variety of conditions that can cause hip pain related to the cartilage, labrum, muscles/tendons, ligaments, and inflammation. These conditions include:
- Arthritis
- Bursitis (trochanteric)
- Iliopsoas Tendinitis
- Femoroacetabular Impingement
- Labral Tears
- Low back pain
- Osteonecrosis of the hip
- Sprains or strains
Diagnosis of Hip Pain
We will evaluate your condition based on your medical history, a physical examination of the hip and thigh region, and evaluate or order diagnostic tests including X-rays, CT, or MRI.
Treatments for Hip Pain
Self-care and pain-relieving anti-inflammatory medications may offer symptomatic relief. However, the exact cause for the pain needs to be addressed. Some conditions will improve with stretching and strengthening of the tendons/muscles of the low back, hip, and pelvis. Its always important to avoid physical activities that may worsen the pain. Applying ice packs over the region of pain for about 15 minutes three to four times daily reduces both pain and swelling. If over the counter medications, stretching, avoiding painful activities, and intermittent ice do not improve your condition, it may be worthwhile to get evaluated for the cause of your hip pain.
