Many conditions can cause simultaneous hip pain. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, hip pain can be generated by any tissue or structure in or around the hip joint--the joint that links the femur or thigh bone to the ilium or hip bone. In some cases, hip pain may be unilateral, or felt on only one side of the body. In other cases, hip pain may be bilateral, or felt on both sides of the body at the same time.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis can cause bilateral or simultaneous hip pain. According to MayoClinic.com, ankylosing spondylitis, also known as rheumatoid spondylitis, is a long-term inflammatory condition that causes joint pain, swelling and immobility. Although ankylosing spondylitis most commonly affects the spinal and sacroiliac joints, it can also affect other joints in the body, including the hips, shoulders, knees and feet. Common signs and symptoms associated with ankylosing spondylitis include chronic back and hip pain that is worse in the mornings and during periods of sedentary living, lower back and hip stiffness, pain where tendons attach to bone and vision problems. MayoClinic.com states that, in severe cases, ankylosing spondylitis can cause stooping, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss and inflammation of the bowel and eyes. Ankylosing spondylitis most commonly affects young men.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a childhood condition that can cause simultaneous hip pain. The National Osteonecrosis Foundation, or NONF--an organization dedicated to educating patients and health care professionals about conditions that cause bone death--states that Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a rare condition of the hip that affects about one in 1,200 children. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is characterized by insufficient blood flow to part of the hip joint. Without sufficient blood, the affected bone may become unstable, break easily and heal poorly. Although Legg-Calve-Perthes disease usually affects only one hip, MayoClinic.com notes that it can develop in both hips. Common signs and symptoms associated with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease include pain or stiffness in the hips, groin, thighs or knees, limping, decreased hip joint active range of motion and shortened legs.
Hip Osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis can cause simultaneous hip pain, especially in older individuals. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS, osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease or wear-and-tear arthritis, is the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis, including hip osteoarthritis, is characterized by the wearing away of the smooth, glistening articular cartilage that covers the ends of bones. Wearing away of this cartilage can cause bone-on-bone friction, pain and degenerative changes within an affected joint. Along with the knees, the hips are one of the most common locations for osteoarthritis to manifest. Common signs and symptoms associated with hip osteoarthritis include pain or discomfort and stiffness in the affected joint, joint pain that is worse in the morning, joint pain that is worse with activity and bone spur or osteophyte formation.
