The hip joint consists of four bones that fit together to make a ball and socket joint. Because the hip joint is a major source of support in the body, it's prone to injury and deterioration with time. Many diseases cause hip pain; some are minor and self limiting, although annoying, while others can be life-threatening if not treated.
Arthritis
Arthritis, or inflammation of the joints, has many causes. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that often causes hip pain as people age, is the most common type of arthritis, the Mayo Clinic reports. Cartilage that covers the bones that make up the ball and socket joint of the hip deteriorates with age, inflammation or injury, as reported by Bruce Anderson, M.D. on UpToDate. Pain medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), are used to treat arthritis, but severe deterioration and pain may require hip replacement.
Bursitis
The hip joint is surrounded by 5 fluid-filled sacs called bursa, which lubricate and cushion the joint. As Dr. Anderson explains, bursa become inflamed and irritated from overuse, injury or excess pressure, resulting in bursitis. Pain from bursitis often results from repetitive motion injury. Treatment for bursitis consists of NSAIDs, rest of the joint, ice, and physical therapy, if necessary. Injections of steroids into the inflamed bursa may also decrease pain, states the Mayo Clinic. Infection in the bursa requires antibiotics.
Fracture
Hip fracture is one of the most serious causes of hip pain. Osteoporosis, a loss of bone density, and cancer can weaken the bone and make a fracture more likely. Fractures usually result from a fall but may occur with a simple act, such as twisting in people with severe osteoporosis, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) states. Pain from hip fracture is felt in the groin or outer thigh. Surgery is usually required to repair the broken bone, and recovery may be slow. Up to one third of people who fracture a hip never recover their previous level of mobility, as stated in the Merck Manual, and one of four people over age 50 die within a year of a fracture, mostly people over age 80.
Other Causes
Muscle strain can cause hip pain. Rest and NSAIDs usually heal muscle strain. Sciatic nerve injury also leads to hip pain that travels down the leg, according to Dr. Anderson. Osteonecrosis, bone death due to injury and lack of blood supply, long term steroid use, alcohol abuse or radiation therapy also may cause hip pain, as reported by Medline Plus.
