Many conditions and injuries can cause pain in the left hip area. According to MayoClinic.com, hip pain, including pain in the left hip area, can be caused by hip joint problems, overuse injuries, traumatic injuries and certain medical conditions. Left hip pain is usually caused by tissues or structures in or around the left hip joints, although certain conditions in the pelvis and lower back may also cause pain to manifest in the left hip area.
Hip Fracture
A left-sided hip fracture can cause pain in the left hip area. A hip fracture is a break in the bone at the top of the leg. According to FamilyDoctor.org, they are most common among women and people over the age of 65. One of the most common causes of hip fracture, especially among the elderly, is a loss of bone mineral density which weakens the bones and increases a person's susceptibility to fractures. Women are particularly susceptible to hip fractures, because they have less bone mass and lose bone mass more quickly than men as they age. Common signs and symptoms associated with hip fractures include extreme pain in the affected hip or pelvic area, hip bruising and swelling, an inability to bear weight, difficulty walking and a shorter leg on the involved side. Most hip fractures are caused by falls.
Dislocated Hip
A dislocated left hip can cause pain in the left hip area. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS, states that a hip dislocation involves a slipping of the head of the femur or thigh bone from its socket. In 90 percent of hip dislocations, the head of the femur slips out of the hip socket in a posterior, or backward, direction. According to the AAOS, a dislocated hip usually causes severe pain on the affected side and an inability to move the leg. In some cases, if nearby nerves are affected, a person may lose sensation in the involved-side foot and ankle. Possible causes of a dislocated hip include motor vehicle accidents, sports accidents, industrial accidents and falling from a significant height. The AAOS states that, along with extreme pain, possible signs and symptoms associated with a dislocated hip include a shorter leg on the affected side, hip joint deformation and pain along the sciatic nerve which travels down the back of the thigh.
Hip Flexor Muscle Strain
Left-sided hip flexor muscle strains can cause pain in the left hip area. According to the University at Buffalo's University Sports Medicine, a muscle strain is a stretch or tear of a muscle or tendon. Hip flexor muscles, which allow a person to lift her knees and bend at the waist, are commonly strained, especially among athletes. Hip flexor muscle strains typically occur when the muscles that elevate the knee or perform high kicks are overused. Hip flexor muscles injuries are most common among cyclists, athletes who run or jump, martial arts participants and athletes, such as soccer players, who perform forceful kicks. The most common symptom associated with a hip flexor muscle strain is pain in the groin and hip region on the affected side. A person with a hip flexor muscle strain may also experience reduced hip joint active range of motion and pain with walking, especially when ascending stairs. Most hip flexor muscle strains recover quickly following appropriate care.
