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Common Causes of Hip Pain

by Laura Inverarity, D.O.
for About.com

Updated November 08, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board


Hip pain is a common symptom experienced by many people. This condition can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that limits activities of daily living. There are a multitude of medical disorders that cause hip pain. Below is a review of the more common conditions that cause hip pain.

Arthritis
Arthritis is the most common cause of chronic hip pain. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two types of arthritis that result in hip pain. Arthritis of the hip is commonly treated with a joint replacement.

Tendonitis
There are many tendons located around the hip that connect the muscles to the joint. With various activities or overuse, these tendons can become inflamed. This inflammation results in pain around the hip region. Iliotibial band syndrome is one of the most common causes of tendonitis at the hip joint.

Fractures
Hip fractures, or a brake in the hip bone, are another common cause of hip pain. Fractures of the hip often occur after falls in the elderly patient population. Osteoporosis puts this population at increased risk for hip fractures. Stress fractures are another form of fracture that can cause hip pain. Various risk factors increase ones risk for developing a stress fracture at the hip joint.

Strains
Muscle strains result from small micro tears in muscles caused by a quick twist or pull to the muscle. When this occurs to muscles located around the hip joint, pain in this area is experienced. Groin and hamstring muscle strains are two injuries that result in hip pain and discomfort.

Bursitis
Bursitis is inflammation of the fluid filled sacs, bursa, that cushion areas of pressure between joints, muscles, and tendons. Bursitis is due to overuse or repetitive actions around the joints of the body. This inflammation results in pain that is experienced during movement or pressure.

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