The body’s classic ball-and-socket joint is a particularly common area to experience pain.
Because the hip joint is one of the few joints in the human body that can move in many different directions, some argue its more prone to injury and dysfunction.
If your hip is bothering you, know that you are not alone. Let’s look into what could be at the root of your symptoms and what you can do about it.
What is hip pain?
Hip pain is any uncomfortable sensation experienced either in the front, side, or back of the hip.
People will often make a “C” shape with their hand and point to their groin when experiencing hip pain.
Depending on the structures involved, your hip joint may refer pain down the front, side, or back of your leg.
What are the symptoms of hip pain?
Symptoms of hip pain can vary from a sharp pain with weight bearing to a burning sensation with stretching motions.
Like other joints, you may also experience a deep ache in the joint itself if inflammation is present.
The other sensation that can occur at the hip is clicking when you move the joint through a certain range.
What are the causes of hip pain?
Hip pain may be caused by many factors, but the most common is age-related arthritis.
The muscles surrounding the hip are particularly prone to getting strained with recreational activities as well.
There is also a ring of cartilaginous tissue called the hip labrum that can tear as a result of degeneration or trauma and may cause pain in your hip.
Potential Diagnoses
Because of its capacity to move in so many directions, there are many diagnoses that could result in hip pain.
The most common diagnoses for hip pain are as follows:
- Hip osteoarthritis
- Labral tear
- Femoral Acetabular Impingement
- Hip Flexor strain
- Groin/Adductor strain
- Greater Trochanteric Bursitis
Each diagnosis will present with a set of unique symptoms and requires an evaluation from a skilled practitioner.
Did you know?
Did you know that the strongest ligament in the entire human body is found in your hip joint?
The name of the strongest ligament is the iliofemoral ligament and it can be found at the front of your hip.
The reason you need such a strong ligament in your hip joint is to help prevent subluxation and dislocation of the hip since it is a very mobile joint in general.
