What is hip pain?

Hip pain includes any type of pain or discomfort in your inner or outer hip area. The hip is the joint where the thigh and the pelvis meet.

Hip pain can be described in many ways, such as tender, a dull ache, excruciatingly sharp pain, or a feeling of burning and tingling. Hip pain can be constant or it can be felt only when you make certain movements, such as squatting, lunging or turning. Hip pain can begin suddenly or gradually build over weeks or months.

Hip pain can be a symptom of injuries ranging from a slight muscle strain to a major bone fracture. Hip pain can also be a symptom of a disease, disorder or condition, such as arthritis, bursitis, cancer or osteoporosis. Hip pain can be caused by an injury or disease centralized in the hip, or it can be caused by a problem that begins in another area of your body, such as your back or knee. This type of pain is called referred hip pain.

Hip pain can occur in infants, children, adolescents, adults and seniors for reasons that can be specific to each age group. For example, hip pain is particularly common and significant in seniors because it can be a symptom of osteoarthritis of the hip or a hip fracture. Both conditions can have a significant impact on your quality of life.

Hip pain may be a symptom of a hip fracture, which is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have a visible deformity of the hip or severe hip pain, or are unable to walk normally after a fall or other injury.


What other symptoms might occur with hip pain?

Hip pain can occur in conjunction with other symptoms, which vary widely depending on the underlying injury, disease, disorder or condition. These symptoms can include:


What causes hip pain?

Hip pain can be caused by an injury, disorder, disease or condition of the hip or another area of the body. Hip pain can develop in high-performing athletes who injure themselves performing vigorous exercise. Conversely, it can also be due to obesity and inactivity. Hip pain is particularly common and significant in senio... Read more about hip paincauses


This Article is Filed Under: Bones, Joints and Muscles

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