Common Causes of Hip Pain

What are the common causes of hip pain? The hip joint is one of the strongest joints in your body, so it may surprise you to know that the hip is prone to several types of issues that can result in chronic pain. If you’ve noticed that your hip hurts and the pain hasn’t resolved within a couple of weeks, it’s time to see a professional to get to the root of the problem.

The team of experienced medical specialists at Florida Medical Pain Management offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of hip pain. Below, we offer a guide to understanding the most common causes of hip pain and how our pain management program can help you feel better.

Bursitis

Where your hip hurts is a clue to what may be ailing you. If you experience pain on the outer part of your hip, thigh, or buttocks, you may have bursitis. This painful condition involves inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs called bursae. These sacs act as a cushion for the bones and other components near your joints.

Walking and climbing stairs can make bursitis pain worse. However, even without physical activity, bursitis can cause ongoing pain — even when you’re lying down resting. Like many conditions that affect the hip, bursitis is more common as you age and is especially common in people over age 60.

Tendonitis

Tendons are strong bands of tissue that attach your muscles to your bones. The tendons in your hips are vulnerable to injuries and overuse.

Pain in your hip flexor when you move is a common symptom of tendonitis. This often occurs in individuals who participate in activities that engage the hip flexor. Patients who play soccer, for example, are at risk of tendonitis of the hip. Tendonitis can occur from sudden injury but most often occurs over time from repeated use or repeated minor injuries that create imbalances in your hip.

Osteoarthritis

If you have daily, dull pain in your hip, you may have osteoarthritis — the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes the hip joints to become stiff, swollen, and painful. This degenerative condition occurs when the cartilage wears away over time, allowing bones to rub together.

Osteoarthritis is common in older adults but can occur in highly active patients or as a result of injury or carrying excess weight.

Pelvic floor disorders

Women with pelvic floor issues commonly experience hip pain. The pelvic floor is a group of supportive muscles in the pelvis. These muscles support the bladder, bowel, and uterus. Problems with your pelvic floor can cause pain that radiates to your hip.

Fibroids and endometriosis are other gynecological conditions that can cause hip pain. If the pain worsens at certain times during your menstrual cycle, endometriosis may be the culprit.

Labral tear

The labral is a ring of cartilage on the outside of your hip joint socket. It acts as a cushion and seal and plays a crucial role in the ball-and-socket hip joint. Labral tears are a common sports injury. Patients who engage in activities where they perform repetitive twisting movements, such as baseball players, are at risk for labral tears.

If you’re experiencing any type of hip pain, we encourage you to schedule an appointment. We’re dedicated to helping patients bounce back from injuries, manage degenerative conditions, and reduce their pain, so they feel and function better. With offices in Spring Hill, New Port Richey, and St. Petersburg, Florida, we have a team of specialists near you. Call us today or request an appointment online.