Understanding Hip Pain

Essential for mobility and daily activities

450K+hip replacements annually in US
Understanding the Joint

Hip Anatomy

Hip anatomy illustration

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint where the femoral head (ball) fits into the acetabulum (socket) of the pelvis. It is one of the body's largest weight-bearing joints.

Key Structures

  • Acetabulum (socket in pelvis)
  • Femoral head (ball of thigh bone)
  • Labrum (cartilage ring around socket)
  • Hip flexors (allow leg lift)
  • Gluteal muscles (provide stability)
Common Causes

Hip Pain Conditions

Osteoarthritis

Most common (75%)

Progressive cartilage loss in hip joint causing pain and stiffness. Leading cause of hip replacement surgery.

Symptoms

  • Groin pain radiating to thigh
  • Stiffness especially in morning
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Pain that worsens with activity
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Bursitis (Trochanteric)

Very common

Inflammation of bursa on outer hip (greater trochanter). Often caused by repetitive activities.

Symptoms

  • Pain on outer hip
  • Worse when lying on affected side
  • Pain climbing stairs
  • Tenderness to touch

Labral Tear

Common in athletes

Torn cartilage ring around hip socket from injury or structural abnormalities.

Symptoms

  • Clicking or locking sensation
  • Deep groin pain
  • Stiffness
  • Pain with rotation movements

Hip Impingement (FAI)

10-15% of adults

Femoroacetabular impingement occurs when abnormal bone growth causes friction.

Symptoms

  • Groin pain with activity
  • Reduced hip rotation
  • Pain with prolonged sitting
  • Stiffness after rest

Hip Fracture

300,000+/year in US

Break in upper portion of femur, often from falls in older adults. Requires immediate attention.

Symptoms

  • Severe pain in hip/groin
  • Inability to bear weight
  • Leg appears shorter
  • Leg rotates outward
Physical Therapy

Recommended Exercises

Consult a healthcare provider before starting any exercise program.

Hip Flexor Stretch

Hold 30 sec x 3 each sideHip flexors

Kneel on one knee with other foot forward. Push hips forward until you feel stretch in front of hip.

Clamshells

3 sets of 15 each sideHip abductors

Lie on side with knees bent 45 degrees. Keep feet together, raise top knee while keeping hips stacked.

Glute Bridge

3 sets of 10Glutes and Core

Lie on back with knees bent. Squeeze glutes and lift hips until body forms straight line.

Piriformis Stretch

Hold 30 sec x 3 each sideDeep hip rotators

Lie on back, cross one ankle over opposite knee. Pull uncrossed leg toward chest.

Red Flags

When to See a Doctor

  • ! Sudden severe hip pain especially after a fall
  • ! Unable to move leg or bear weight
  • ! Visible hip deformity
  • ! Signs of infection (fever, redness, warmth)
  • ! Pain not improving after 2 weeks of rest
  • ! Numbness or tingling in leg
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