The most common cause of pelvic pain is muscle, tendon or ligament strain. Pelvic pain may occur immediately after an injury, or pain may come on gradually over a period of weeks or even months. Pelvic pain can also be due to arthritis, which is a more chronic form of pain. Less commonly, a bone injury, fracture or a hernia may cause pelvic pain. Pelvic pain may be worsened by continued use of the injured area.
Arthritis
The hip is a ball and socket joint because it is formed by the bones that make up the pelvis and the end of the femur bone. These bones are covered with a smooth layer of protective cartilage and loss of this cartilage from wear and tear, inflammation, or injury causes arthritis.
Bursitis
The hip joint has bursa sacs that produce lubricating fluid, reducing pressure and friction around the joint and muscles. These bursa sacs can become irritated from injury, excessive pressure, and overuse, causing inflammation of a bursa, which is known as bursitis.
Muscle Strain
There are several muscle groups in the hip that provide it with a wide range of movements. Overuse and irritation of these muscles can lead to muscle strain. Muscle strain occurs when there is a muscle fiber tear secondary to over-stretching of the injured muscle.
Neuropathy
Irritation of the nerves that cross the hip can cause pain through the hip and/or down the leg. Injury to the sciatic nerve frequently causes pain along the outer thigh or down the back of the leg. This type of nerve pain is called sciatica. Nerve pain is usually a deep, aching pain that can sometimes involve numbness and tingling.
Hip Fracture
A fracture of a bone in the pelvis can result in pain that refers to the groin region. The hip can no longer adequately provide the socket needed for the femur to move freely. Pain can cause limited range of motion and inability to walk properly.
Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia is a bulge in the pelvic area on either side of the pubic bone, which may also include pain or discomfort in the groin during exercise -- and swelling in the scrotum around the testicles if the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum.
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