Understanding hip pain
Normal body movements rely on joints working smoothly and without pain – maintaining maximum joint function allows us to enjoy an active and fulfilling life. The hip is one of the most stressed joints in our body (although one which we often take for granted). It is in constant use in everyday movements such as walking, sitting, turning and even driving a car. As soon as the joint starts to be stiff or to cause pain, it becomes evident just how much we rely on it. The pain can become worse if you try to avoid using the joint, as the muscles become weak, making movement more difficult.
Injury or disease can damage your hip in several ways, resulting in a broken or deteriorated bone, irritated bursae, or worn cartilage. The most common type of joint pain is arthritis, although there are other conditions which can also cause pain or discomfort in this area.
Arthritis of the hipArthritis is a frequent cause of hip pain, of which there are three main kinds – osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis. |
Other causes of hip painThere are a range of other conditions which can also be responsible for causing pain in the hip joint. |
Important: The information and guidance provided here is general in nature and should not be considered as medical advice in any way. You should always seek detailed advice from a qualified medical practitioner.
