Common Causes of Hip Pain

Arthritis
Arthritis, characterised by progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the joint, is among the most frequent causes of hip pain. While hip arthritis usually affects patients over the 50 years of age, it is also common in people who are overweight.

Trochanteric bursitis
It is an extremely common problem that causes inflammation of the bursa over the outside of the hip joint.

Tendonitis
Tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendons and can occur in any of the tendons that surround the hip joint. The most frequently encountered tendonitis around the hip is iliotibial band (IT band) tendonitis.

Osteonecrosis
This is a condition that occurs when blood flow to an area of bone is restricted. If an inadequate amount of blood flow reaches the bone, the cells will die and the bone may collapse. One of the most common places for osteonecrosis to occur is in the hip joint.

Lumbar Pain
Many back and spine problems can cause symptoms around the buttocks and hip. The most common problems that refer pain to the hip region are herniated discs and sciatica.

Snapping Hip Syndrome
Snapping hip syndrome is a word used to describe three distinct hip problems. The first is when the IT band snaps over the outside of the thigh. The second occurs when the deep hip flexor snaps over the front of the hip joint. Finally, tears of the cartilage or labrum, around the hip socket can cause a snapping sensation.

Muscle Strains
Strains of the muscles around the hip and pelvis can cause pain and spasm. The most common strains are groin pulls and hamstring strains.

Hip Fracture
Hip fractures are most common in elderly patients with osteoporosis. Treatment of broken hips requires surgery to either replace the broken portion or repair it with a metal plate and screws. Hip stress, fracture Stress, fractures of the hip are most common in athletes who participate in high-impact sports, such as long distance runners. Treatment usually is successful by avoiding the impact activities.