Numerous conditions can cause left hip pain. According to the MedlinePlus website, hip-related pain may be felt in the hip or elsewhere in the affected-side lower extremity, such as the groin or mid-thigh. Hip pain can be caused by traumatic injuries, muscle injuries and certain medical conditions. Hip pain ranges from mild to severe. In some cases, hip pain can prevent a person from performing her activities of daily living.
Fractured Hip
A fractured hip can cause left hip pain. According to MayoClinic.com, a person can fracture or break his hip at any age, although most hip fractures occur in people older than the age of 65. Decreased bone mineral density, which occurs with aging, significantly increases a person's risk for hip fractures. MayoClinic.com notes that a hip fracture is a serious injury with potentially life-threatening complications, especially among the elderly. Possible causes of hip fracture include falling, motor vehicle accidents and weak bones. Common signs and symptoms associated with a fractured hip include hip immobility, extreme pain in the hip and groin, inability to bear weight on the injured side, stiffness, bruising and swelling in the affected area, and a shorter leg on the involved side. Numerous factors can increase a person's risk for hip fracture, including age, sex, chronic medical conditions, certain medications, nutritional problems, sedentary living, and tobacco and alcohol consumption.
Osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis can cause left hip pain. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons or AAOS states that the hip joints are a common location for osteoarthritis--the most common type of arthritis or joint pain. Osteoarthritis, including hip osteoarthritis, is characterized by the loss of articular cartilage that covers the ends of the bones. Articular cartilage is smooth and shiny, and it helps the joints glide. Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing hip osteoarthritis in one or both hip joints, such as a family history of the condition, advanced age, obesity and a co-existing injury that places stress on the hip cartilage. Common signs and symptoms associated with hip osteoarthritis include groin, buttock and thigh stiffness, and discomfort upon waking, hip pain on the affected side that's worse with activity and a limp. Approximately 10 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, states the AAOS.
Hip Bursitis
Hip bursitis can cause left-sided hip pain. According to the AAOS, the greater trochanter is a bony prominence on the outer aspect of the upper thigh or hip. A large bursa or fluid-filled sac overlies the greater trochanter. The bursa is situated between the greater trochanter and tendons that move the hip joint, and is responsible for reducing friction between these structures. Sometimes this bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, causing hip or trochanteric bursitis. Common signs and symptoms associated with hip bursitis include pain at the point of the hip, pain on the outside aspect of the hip, pain in the affected area that's worse at night and pain that's worse with prolonged walking, stair climbing or squatting. Certain factors increase the risk for hip bursitis, including repetitive stress injuries, hip injuries, spine disease, leg-length discrepancy, rheumatoid arthritis, previous hip surgery and bone spurs in the hip region.
