Hip pain: Causes and treatment

15 November 2025

If you feel pain in the hip joint, you need to determine the cause.Treatment of pain depends on the pathology of which it is a symptom.Comprehensive measures and strict adherence to recommendations will help eliminate the disease and maintain joint motor activity.Impaired function of the hip joint makes it impossible to move actively.Reduced function limits the patient's ability to move freely and work.

Anatomical features

The large joint connects the femur and pelvis bones and provides the ability to move in three directions: flexion and extension, abduction and rotation of the lower limb.Degenerative changes that lead to disability, limit movement and cause pain.

The hip joint is supplied with blood through the main femoral artery, localized in the joint area.Pathologies that can disrupt vascular capacity lead to oxygen starvation and nutrient deficiency.

The large sciatic, obturator and femoral nerves provide innervation.Compression or pinching of nerve endings results in intense neurological pain in the pelvic area.

Causes of hip pain

The development of diseases of various etiologies in the hip joint area leads to serious health problems, including disability.The occurrence of pain in the hip joint accompanies each pathology at a different stage in its development.

The cause of the pain determines its nature and intensity.Acute pain occurs due to injuries, inflammatory processes, purulence, temporary pain, non-intensive sensations due to chronic diseases.

Many pathologies of unknown origin and congenital defects lead to the appearance of symptoms.This syndrome is present initially, or may appear as a result of the development of a pathological condition.

Cause disease

Trauma of varying severity is one of the most common causes.Bruises, sprains, and fractures cause mechanical damage to bones and ligaments.On the first day after the injury, a sharp pain in the hip joint was observed.Next, the pain weakens, becomes muted.Frequent injuries: spinal fracture, hip dislocation, femoral neck fracture.All of the above injuries occur after a direct and severe injury from a fall or blow.The situation becomes more complicated if a person has a history of osteoporosis or degenerative changes in cartilage tissue and joint bones.
Myositis ossificans is characterized by inflammation in the connective tissue of the joint capsule.Appears after injury or when inherited from parents.The progressive course leads to morphological changes in the cartilage tissue, which over time deteriorates into bone formation.
A slipped hip, whether it occurs at birth or develops in the womb, leads to deformity, limited movement, and pinched nerves.With this pathology, not only somatic, but also neuropathic pain in the hip joint occurs.
Coxarthrosis is a common pathology of the elderly who lead a sedentary lifestyle or do heavy physical work.Dystrophic changes in cartilage and subsequent bone deformation cause pain.The first symptoms appear as a result of intense stress.The advanced course is accompanied by constant dull pain that does not go away during rest or prolonged sleep.Depression of the syndrome continues in parallel with progressive changes in the hip joint.
Arthritis - Inflammation in the joint capsule accompanied by severe throbbing pain.It can appear as an independent disease or as a complication after an injury or infectious disease.
Reiter's syndrome is a reactive wound of an allergic nature, which most often occurs after an infectious pathology.There are cases that occur after Chlamydia or Gonococcus penetrate the joint capsule.Pathology is accompanied by acute pain in the hip joint and tissue swelling.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease of the immune system, where the body's own cells recognize healthy tissue as a foreign organism and try to destroy it.This situation leads to the modification of articular tissue against the background of a severe inflammatory process.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic systemic joint disease.Localization of the process in the iliosacral region is accompanied by pain in the pelvic area, developing mainly at night.The patient's pain worsens in the morning, the stiffness disappears after active movement or exercise.
Osteochondritis dissecans, also known as Koenig's disease, develops in the cartilage that contacts the femur.The cartilage begins to break down with further separation in small areas.This condition is often complicated by the addition of synovitis.The patient complains of pain in the hip joint;In the final stage, complete blockage occurs due to the presence of necrotic cartilage tissue in the articular cavity.
Legg-Calvé-Perthess disease is a pathology similar to osteochondropathy, which develops when blood circulation and nutrition in the hip joint are impaired.It is characterized by gradual necrosis of the femoral head, which is accompanied by pain and gait disturbances due to limb shortening.This disease is considered pediatric, because preschool and elementary school age children are more often affected.
Bursitis is inflammation of the synovial bursa followed by its filling with pathogenic fluid.This disease appears in the bursae located near the hip joint, causing pain especially during exercise or palpation.
Synovitis is an inflammatory wound of the synovial membrane that lines the wall of the joint capsule.In the acute period, persistent severe pain appears in the hip joint;During the chronic course, the symptoms are smooth.
Symphysitis - Changes in the pubic symphysis tissue with differences in the pubic bones.Occurs during pregnancy and childbirth.This pathology is inflammatory, accompanied by severe pain in the genital area, spreading to the hip joint area.
Radicular syndrome in the pelvic region is represented by neuropathic pain.This syndrome occurs due to the compression of a large nerve located in the area of the junction of the femur and pelvis bones by the growth of bone and deformed tissue.
Varus foot deficiency, Clubfoot, can be a congenital defect or an acquired condition.Improperly distributed load on the legs, due to the inward displacement of the bottom, has a negative effect on the hip and knee joints.Over time, with inappropriate actions or lack of treatment, the hip joint becomes deformed, causing pain.
Enthesopathy is a degenerative-dystrophic process in the joint ligament apparatus.The process is often accompanied by inflammation.The painful condition causes structural weakness of the ligaments and tendons with possible rupture of the connective tissue.In addition, there is ossification of certain areas, which reduces joint function.
Intermittent hydrarthrosis is a chronic joint pathology in which there is an increase in the synthesis of synovial fluid, accompanied by an increase in joint volume and a decrease in motor activity due to pain.
Synovial chondromatosis is the degeneration of the synovial membrane area of the joint into a cartilage formation.New growth can reach the size of a matchbox.Accompanied by severe pain during movement, a decrease in amplitude until the hip joint is completely blocked.
Adolescent epiphysiolysis is a pathological displacement of the femoral head downward and backward.Boys get sick during puberty, when damage occurs due to an imbalance in the synthesis of sex hormones and growth hormones.Pain in the hip joint appears when trying to move the leg.
Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head can develop due to acute lack of circulation in the hip joint.Against the background of bone tissue death, intense pain turns into a burning sensation, which sharply limits the ability to move the affected leg.Attacks last for several days and pass before the start of the next acute phase.
There are known cases of gout in the hip joint.Excessive formation of uric acid with insufficient excretion crystallizes and settles in the joint cavity, gradually filling it.During a gout attack, the pain is unbearable.
Malignant neoplasms in bone or surrounding tissue.

Symptoms

Pain in the hip joint is divided into 3 degrees:

light - accompanying light injuries and consequences after strong pressure on the muscles of the thigh and back;
Moderate - Occurs with pathology of a dystrophic, inflammatory and infectious nature, may be local or radiate to the lower limbs or pubic bone;
Strong - appears with fractures, severe dislocations, accompanied by severe limitations of movement in the joints, and sometimes paralysis.

Pain that lasts at night and disappears during the day appears in pathology with congestion in the blood vessels.Lack of blood circulation can cause numbness, tingling and a crawling sensation.

Many diseases occur with inflammation in the joint capsule, ligaments or surrounding tissues.

In this case, characteristic symptoms appear:

Swelling around the hip joint appears due to a violation of the outflow of excess fluid, while the skin stretches and becomes shiny;
A change in the color of the skin over the sore spot: from moderate red to bluish;
An increase in local temperature over the joint area is due to a response to acute inflammation;
A severe course causes general intoxication of the body, which is accompanied by headache, joint pain, and fever.

Methods for diagnosing the hip joint

For a detailed examination, several studies are carried out, with the possible help of creating a complete picture of the disease that has arisen:

Laboratory blood tests will show latent or obvious inflammation, the presence of rheumatoid factor;
Bacterial examination of synovial fluid to determine the causative agent of inflammation;
Biopsy of suspicious tissue for the presence of malignant factors;
X-ray examination of the hip joint from different sides will help identify signs of tissue deformation;
ultrasound examination of joints;
Doppler is an ultrasound method to assess blood circulation;
Computed tomography.

degenerative changes and pain in the hip joint

Hip joint treatment

If the hip joint hurts, the therapeutic measures may vary depending on the disease.It all depends on the pathology, the symptoms of which are unpleasant.The set of procedures is determined from drugs, physiotherapy treatment, therapeutic exercises and alternative medicine methods.Strict adherence to recommendations and fulfillment of all prescriptions leads to the normalization of the situation.Only a doctor should prescribe drugs and medicines.

Drug therapy

Anesthetic drugs can be used for temporary pain relief.Analgesics do not treat the cause of hip pain, but they are effective in relieving symptoms for a short period of time.
In case of severe pain, if there is no effect from non-narcotic painkillers, restrictions are made.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic agents.This medicine is taken strictly according to the instructions, without exceeding the dose, so as not to cause side effects from the gastrointestinal tract.
For severe inflammation that cannot be treated with non-hormonal drugs, glucocorticosteroids have a positive therapeutic effect.Steroid hormones provide anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antihistamine effects.They can be injected directly into the diseased joint during puncture.
Antibiotics are prescribed for associated purulent infections.Antibacterial agents have a negative effect on pathogens, destroying the cause of the pathology.Along with antibiotics, patients are prescribed probiotics to normalize the intestinal microflora.
Muscle relaxants - effectively relax muscles, eliminate spasms.Medicines will reduce the tone to the point of immobilization, relieving pain in the pelvic area.
Diuretics remove fluid, prevent swelling and negative effects on heart activity.
Vitamin therapy is shown to boost immunity and improve overall well-being.Biochemical processes that ensure the body's vital functions continue at optimal speed.
If the degenerative process destroys the joint, chondroprotectors are taken for a long time to stop the degenerative process and recover independently.These medicines contain chondroitin and glucosamine, the lack of which creates an imbalance in the joints.These drugs are used in tablet form and are also injected into the joint.
Sedative for unbalanced mental states.Nervous system disorders occur when a person experiences constant, debilitating pain in the hip joint.
Angioprotectors to improve blood circulation.They increase metabolic processes in the walls of blood vessels, increasing their permeability.

Physiotherapy Treatment of Hip Pain

Modern methods of additional therapy provide pain relief to the affected area and help to quickly get rid of the pathology.Modern medicine has many methods to relieve pain in the hip joint.

Each method is given with a purpose:

improves blood circulation in the tissue of the hip joint;
reduce inflammation;
relieves pain;
prevent the development of edema;
increase metabolic processes in cells;
start the tissue self-healing process;
strengthen the immune system.

Laser therapy allows you to affect the joint, penetrating up to 9 cm.A laser beam directed at the affected area heats the thickness of the tissue to the bone.The healing effect on nerve processes dampens pain.This method is designed to relieve inflammation;The analgesic effect is additive.

Electrophoresis is the use of galvanic current to penetrate deep into tissue.Direct electric current of low strength and low voltage is prescribed in conjunction with anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs, for their administration through chemical reactions.

Magnetotherapy ensures the penetration of magnetic pulse current to a depth of 7 to 12 cm.Treatment is carried out in a course, the effect is achieved at the end of the treatment period and is maintained until the beginning of the next session.To improve the health of the hip joint, devices that relieve pain and trigger regenerative processes are suitable.

Shockwave therapy involves short-term exposure to low-frequency acoustic pulses.It is used to eliminate the manifestations of inflammation, providing a kind of high-frequency massage.Enhanced collagen synthesis begins, blood supply and tissue trophism improve.

Orthopedic Medical Products

Reducing the manifestation of pain in the hip joint can be achieved with the help of orthoses and rehabilitation items.Modern developers of medical products have taken care in advance of possible difficulties that patients have to face.

Injuries involving the femoral neck require complete immobilization for several months.In order not to apply a massive plaster cast to the entire lower limb, there is an orthosis with a rigid fixation level - "derotational boot".It is easy for patients to use the product in practice, safe from the point of view of allergenicity (the plaster causes skin irritation and allergies) and for others to take care of the victim's feet.

An anti-decubitus mattress is essential if one has to lie there for months.During the recovery period, when the first step is taken after the injury, the walker is first used for independent movement.When greater stability appears, crutches are used, and then crutches, which provide support while walking.

Symphysitis causes a lot of suffering due to severe pain in the genital area and pelvis.To reduce painful conditions, unloading hip joints, compression and support with the help of rigid ribs, orthopedic corsets for pelvic rings are used.

Choosing the right shoes is very important for proper hip joint unloading.Shock absorbing insoles for daily wear will relieve many problems not only with the joints, but also with the spine.

The applicant has proven itself to be effective in relieving pain and improving blood circulation.The plastic needle, in close contact with the painful area, causes the first pain, changing into a pleasant warmth.During the acute period, the session time is 5 minutes up to 6 times a day, for chronic pain - 15 minutes up to 3 times a day.

Therapeutic gymnastics

Exercise therapy classes have a special role.The more movements that are made together with the measured load, the more synovial fluid is produced, which is necessary for tissue nutrition and performance.A set of exercises is prepared by the medical instructor for each patient individually.

Exercises are performed in the remission stage, when there is no pain.The technique of correct execution of movements is explained by a physiotherapist and reproduced under the supervision of an expert.The movement should not be sharp or sweeping;The number of repetitions should be exactly as directed.

Therapeutic exercises increase blood flow, tone thigh muscles, improve motor ability in the pelvic joints, make walking easier, and improve immunity.Each exercise must be coordinated;Improper actions trigger pain attacks, increased blood pressure, and the appearance of microtraumas that lead to inflammation.

A set of exercises to do at home:

In a lying position, bend your knees at a right angle, pull both legs to your chest at the same time, creating a slight resistance with your hands;
Without changing position, pull your bent legs one by one, holding for a few seconds;
Lie on your right side, lift your left leg, bend at the knee, repeat the same action with the other leg;
In the position on the stomach, extend your arms along the body, lift the straightened leg by 15 cm, hold for 5 seconds, perform the same movement with both legs;
Sitting on a chair, raise your legs parallel to the floor, repeat the movement with each leg.

Surgical treatment of the hip joint

When conservative treatment does not bring the desired results, surgery is performed to alleviate the patient's condition.There are several methods of surgical care:

Arthroscopic Debridement - Cleaning the inner wall of the joint from necrotic particles, followed by washing with a medical solution.Manipulation is carried out in the operating room.
Periarticular Osteotomy - A joint fracture is performed to join at a different angle to reduce the load on the diseased joint.
Endoprosthetics is the replacement of a diseased joint with an artificial one;This method involves active recovery after surgery.

Traditional medicine

Affordable and safe recipes from healers with centuries of experience help relieve pain in the hip joint and speed up recovery.Before use, you should consult to exclude contraindications.

Peel and chop one head of garlic, add finely chopped celery root and one lemon with zest.Mix all the ingredients and add hot water, leave for a day in a cool place.Take 1 tablespoon for thirty days.
Linden and Birch Bud Tea can be drunk daily to reduce inflammation.A teaspoon of Linden flowers and birch buds brewed with hot water.After 30 minutes, the decoction is ready to use.
Prepare a mixture of herbs: Wort St.John's wort, Chamomile and Immortelle, combine 1 tablespoon each.Pour the composition into 500 ml of water and boil for 10 minutes.Take the product 50 ml 3 times a day.
Finely chop the radish, add a little honey and 30 ml of vodka.Apply the resulting mixture to the sore joint, securing it with plastic wrap on top.The compress is covered with a warm blanket on top for the rest of the night.
Mix mustard powder with honey and vegetable oil.Gauze, folded in several layers, dipped in the composition and applied to the joints.Keep the compress for no more than 60 minutes.
Wash the cabbage leaves and pour them with honey, apply them to the hip joint area.Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and cabbage will relieve pain in the affected joints.
Crushed Celandine leaves mixed with a little olive oil.The mixture is infused for 7 days, after which it is used to rub the painful area.
It is necessary to cut and combine hop cones and St. wort.John, add petroleum jelly to an ointment-like consistency.Rub into the painful joint 2 times a day.
Mix red pepper, kerosene and vegetable oil and leave for 3 weeks.Use to scrub no more than once a day.

Hip joint prevention

To prevent pain in the hip joint from appearing, simple recommendations will help:

Lifestyle should be active with periodic light physical exercise;
Proper nutrition is the basis of health: excluding fatty, salty and smoked foods, alcohol, sausages, chocolate, sweets;
Do not burden the joints with strenuous physical activity or heavy work;
Use a preventive bandage to unload the pelvic joint;
Wear comfortable shoes that meet orthopedic standards;
If unpleasant symptoms appear in the hip joint area, consult a doctor for an examination and prescribe an effective treatment.