The hip is the joint where the thigh bone meets the pelvis bone. The top of the thigh bone resembles a ball, and it moves around in a space in the pelvis that looks like a cup – this is why hips are referred to as ball-and-socket joints. When this joint is damaged, pain is generally the result. Typically, hip pain presents as a symptom of a disease or it stems from overuse, playing sports, running, or falling. The following list details the most common causes of hip pain.

Diseases

Arthritis

There are several arthritic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, which are common causes of hip pain, particularly for older adults. Arthritis leads to the hip joint becoming inflamed and the cartilage that pads the hip bones breaking down. As arthritis progresses, the pain slowly intensifies. Many people with arthritis also experience stiffness and a decreased range of hip motion.

Avascular Necrosis or Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis takes place when the blood supply to the hip bone is decreased and causes the bone tissue to die. While this condition can affect other bones, it occurs most frequently in the hip. There are additional causes for osteonecrosis including hip dislocation, fracture, or long-term use of high-dose steroids like prednisone.

Injuries

Muscle or Tendon Strain

Repeated action can strain the ligaments, muscles, or tendons that support the hips. The most frequently occurring strains are hamstring strains and groin pulls. When one of these structures becomes inflamed through overuse, pain may result, making it difficult to execute normal hip movements.

Hip Fractures

With aging, bones can become brittle and weak, which means that hip fractures happen most often in elderly people. If an elderly individual with weakened bones falls, he or she is more likely to have a fracture. Broken hip treatment requires surgery to fix the broken portion with a metal plate and screws, or it simply may need to be replaced altogether.

Bursitis

The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that protect the tendons and muscles. These can become inflamed through repetitive activities that irritate or overwork the hip joint. The pain may be sharp or a dull ache.

Tendonitis

Tendons are the thick tissue bands that connect muscles to bones. Tendonitis refers to irritation or inflammation of the tendons. Typically it comes about through repetitive stress from overuse. The most common type of tendonitis to present in the hip region is iliotibial (IT) band tendonitis. The IT band is a thick fibrous tissue band that runs along the outside of the leg and functions together with multiple thigh muscles to offer stability to the exterior area of the knee joint.