Hip pain: causes and treatments

15 November 2025

If you feel pain in the hip joint, you need to determine the cause.Treatment of pain depends on the pathology, which is a symptom.Strict adherence to comprehensive measures and recommendations will help to get rid of the disease and preserve the motor function of the joint.Impairment of the hip joint makes it impossible to actively move.Reduced functionality limits the patient's ability to move and work independently.

Anatomical features

A large joint connects the femur and pelvic bones and allows movement in three directions: flexion and extension, rotation and rotation of the lower limb.Degenerative changes that cause deformity, limit movement and cause pain.

The hip joint is supplied with blood through the main femoral vessels located in the joint area.Pathologies that can disrupt vascular capacity cause oxygen starvation and nutritional deficiency.

Innervation is provided by the large nerve trunks of the femoral and obturator nerves.Compression or pinching of nerve endings results in intense neurological pain in the pelvic area.

Causes of HIP pain

The development of diseases of various etiologies in the Hip Joint Area causes serious health problems, including disability.Occurrence of hip joint pain accompanies every pathology at different stages of its development.

The cause of pain determines its nature and intensity.Acute pain occurs due to injury, inflammatory, cruciate processes, pain and painless sensations result from chronic diseases.

Numerous pathologies of unknown origin and congenital defects cause the appearance of symptoms.The syndrome is initially present or may appear as a result of the progression of the pathological condition.

Provocative diseases

Trauma of various severity is one of the most common causes.Bruises, sprains and fractures cause mechanical damage to bones and ligaments.On the first day after the injury, sharp pain is observed in the hip joint.Later, the pain becomes weaker and silent.Frequent injuries: pelvic fracture, hip dislocation, femoral neck fracture.All of the above injuries occur after a direct, severe injury from a fall or impact.If a person has a history of osteoporosis or degenerative changes in the cartilage and bone tissues of the joint, the situation becomes more difficult.
Myositis ossificans is characterized by inflammation in the connective tissues of the joint capsule.Appears from injury or inherited from parents.The progressive course causes morphological changes in cartilage tissue in bone formations over time.
If it develops at birth or in the womb, it causes deformities, limited movement and nerves.With this pathology, not only somatic, but also neuropathic pain occurs in the hip joint.
Coxarthrosis is a common pathology of elderly people who lead a sedentary lifestyle or do heavy physical work.Dystrophic changes in cartilage and subsequent bone deformation cause pain.The first symptoms appear as a result of intense stress.The advanced course is accompanied by a constant dull pain that does not go away during rest or long sleep.The deterioration of the syndrome continues in parallel with the progressive changes of the hip joint.
Arthritis - Inflammation in the joint capsule is accompanied by severe throbbing pain.It can appear as an independent disease or as a complication after an injury or infectious disease.
Reiter's syndrome is a reactive lesion of an allergic nature that occurs in most cases after infectious pathologies.There are cases when the condition that develops after chlamydia or gonococci penetrates the joint capsule.Pathologically, it is accompanied by sharp pain in the hip joint and tissue swelling.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease of the immune system in which the body's own cells recognize healthy tissue as a foreign organism and try to destroy it.This condition leads to the replacement of articular tissues against the background of severe inflammatory processes.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a systemic disease of joints of a chronic nature.The localization of the process in the IlioSacral region is accompanied by pain in the pelvic region, which progresses mainly at night.The patient's pain increases in the morning, stiffness goes away after hard movements or exercise.
Osteochondritis dissecans, also known as Koenig's disease, develops in the cartilage that contacts the femur.Cartilage begins to delaminate with further separation of a small area.The condition is often complicated by the addition of synovitis.Patients complain of pain in the hip;In the final stages, complete blockage occurs due to the presence of necrotic cartilage tissue in the articular cavity.
Legg-Calvé-perthes disease, a pathology similar to osteochondropathy, develops when the blood circulation and nutritional conditions in the hip joint are disturbed.It is characterized by gradual necrosis of the femoral head, which is accompanied by pain and gait disturbance due to shortening of the limb.The disease is considered pediatric, because children of preschool and primary school age are more affected.
Bursitis is an inflammation of the filling of the synovial bursa with pathogenic fluid.The disease also appears in the Bursa, located near the hip joint, causing pain mainly during exercise or palpation.
Synovitis is an inflammatory lesion of the synovial membrane lining the walls of the joint capsule.In the acute period, constant severe pain appears in the hip joint;During the chronic course, the symptoms are smoothed.
Symphysitis - changes in the tissues of the pubic symphysis with the separation of the pubic bones.Occurs during pregnancy and childbirth.Pathological, inflammatory in nature, spreading to the hip joint area, accompanied by severe pain in the pubic area.
Radicular syndrome in the pelvic area is represented by neuropathic pain.The syndrome occurs due to the compression of large nerves in the area of the junction of the femur and pelvic bones and the junction of the pelvic bones by bone growths and deformed tissues.
Varus foot deformity, Clubfoot, can be a congenital defect or an acquired condition.Improperly distributed load on the foot due to the displacement of the foot has a negative effect on the hip and knee joints.Over time, with improper movements or lack of treatment, the hip joint causes pain.
Enthesopathies are degenerative-dystrophic processes in the ligament apparatus of the joint.Processes are often accompanied by inflammation.In a painful situation, it causes the weakening of the structure of ligaments and tendons with possible tearing of the connective tissue.In addition, there is ossification of certain areas, which reduces the functionality of the joint.
Intermittent hydrocrosis is an increase in the synthesis of synovial fluid, accompanied by a decrease in motor activity due to an increase in joint volume and pain.
Synovial chorochromatosis is the degeneration of the cartilage-forming areas of the synovial membrane of the joint.New growth can reach the size of a matchbox.It is accompanied by severe pain during movements, the amplitude decreases until the hip joint is completely blocked.
Juvenile epiphysiolysis is a pathological displacement of the femoral head downward and backward.Boys get sick during puberty due to a malfunction in the synthesis of sex hormones and growth hormones.Pain in the hip joint appears when trying to move the leg.
Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head may develop due to acute circulatory failure in the hip joint.Against the background of the death of bone tissue, intense pain becomes a burning part that sharply limits the ability to move the affected leg.Attacks last for several days and pass before the onset of the next acute phase.
There are cases of developing gout in the hip joint.Excessive formation of uric acid with sufficient secretion crystallizes and settles in the joint cavity, gradually filling it.During a gout attack, pain that cannot be tolerated occurs.
Malignant neoplasms in bones or surrounding tissues.

Symptoms

Pain in the hip joint is divided into 3 degrees:

Soft - accompanied by light injuries and consequences after intense stress on the thigh and hip muscles;
Medium - occurs with pathologies of a dystrophic, inflammatory and infectious nature, can be local in nature or can be illuminated to the lower extremity or pubic bone;
Strong - in joints, and sometimes bone fractures accompanied by severe limitation of paralysis appear with severe dislocations.

Pain that progresses at night and goes away during the day appears in pathologies with blockage of blood vessels.Lack of blood circulation can cause numbness, tingling, and crawling sensations.

Many diseases are caused by inflammation in the joint capsule, ligaments or surrounding tissues.

In this case, characteristic symptoms appear:

Swelling around the hip joint appears due to impaired flow of excess fluid when the skin is stretched;
Change in color in skin color: moderately red to blue;
A local increase in temperature in the joint area is associated with an acute inflammatory response;
A severe course causes general intoxication of the body accompanied by headache, joint pains and fever.

Methods for the diagnosis of the hip joint

For a detailed examination, a number of studies are carried out, with the help of which it is possible to create a complete picture of the disease:

laboratory blood test for the presence of hidden or obvious inflammation, rheumatoid factor;
bacteriological examination of synovial fluid to determine the cause of inflammation;
biopsy of suspicious tissue for the presence of a malignant factor;
X-ray examination of the hip from different sides will help to identify signs of tissue deformation;
Ultrasound examination of the joint;
Doppler is an ultrasound method for blood circulation assessment;
Computed tomography.

degenerative changes and pain in the hip joint

Hip joint treatment

If the hip joint hurts, therapeutic measures may vary depending on the disease.It all depends on the pathology, the symptom is unpleasant pain.The set of procedures consists of drugs, physiotherapeutic treatment, therapeutic exercises and alternative medicine methods.Strict adherence to the recommendations and the fulfillment of all prescriptions leads to the normalization of the condition.Only a doctor should prescribe drugs and medicines.

Drug therapy

Anesthetic drugs may be used for temporary pain relief.Analgesics do not treat the cause of hip pain, but they are effective in providing short-term symptom relief.
In case of severe pain, if there is no effect from non-narcotic pain relievers, a blockade is performed.
Non-inflammatory drugs are used as anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic agents.The drug is taken strictly according to the instructions, not to exceed the dosage, so as not to cause side effects from the gastrointestinal tract.
For severe inflammation that cannot be treated with non-hormonal drugs, glucocorticosteroids have a positive therapeutic effect.Steroid hormones have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antihistamine effects.During a puncture, it can be injected directly into the patient's joint.
Antibiotics are prescribed for associated horizons.Antibacterial agents have a harmful effect on the pathogen, destroy the cause of the pathology.Along with antibiotics, probiotics are prescribed to normalize the sick intestinal microflora.
Muscle relaxants - Effectively relaxes muscles by eliminating spasms.Medications will relieve pain in the pelvic area and tone it down to the point of immobilization.
Diuretics remove fluid, prevent swelling and negative effects on heart function.
Vitamin therapy has been shown to increase immunity and improve general well-being.Biochemical processes that ensure the body's vital functions continue at an optimal speed.
When there are degenerative processes that destroy the joint, chondroprotectors are taken for a long time to stop the degenerative process and restore it independently.Precipitation and glucosamine in drugs, the lack of which is the formation of an imbalance of the compound.Medicines are used in the form of tablets and also touch the joint.
Sedatives for unbalanced mental states.A nervous system disorder occurs when a person experiences painless pain in the hip joint.
Angioprotectors to improve blood microcirculation.It improves metabolic processes in the walls of blood vessels and increases their permeability.

Physiotherapy treatment of hip pain

Modern methods of adjuvant therapy provide pain relief to the affected area and help to quickly get rid of the pathology.In modern medicine, there are many methods to relieve pain in the hip joint.

Each of the methods is set with the goal of:

Improve blood circulation in the tissues of the hip joint;
reduce inflammation;
relieve pain;
prevents the development of edema;
improve metabolic processes in cells;
begin tissue self-healing processes;
Strengthen the immune system.

Laser therapy allows to affect the joint up to 9 cm.Directed laser beams on the affected area, heat the tissue thickness to the bones.The healing effect on nerve processes muffles pain.This method is designed to eliminate inflammation;The analgesic effect is additive.

Electrophoresis is the use of galvanic current to penetrate deep into tissue.Direct electric current of low power and low voltage is prescribed to control the chemical reaction in combination with anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs.

Magnetotherapy ensures that the magnetic pulse current penetrates to a depth of 7 to 12 cm.Treatment is carried out in courses, the effect reaches the end of the treatment period and is maintained until the start of the next session.To improve the health of the hip joint, a device that eliminates the regenerative processes of pain and triggers is suitable.

Shock wave therapy involves short-term exposure to low-frequency acoustic pulses.It is used to eliminate inflammatory manifestations, providing a kind of high-frequency massage.Advanced collagen synthesis begins, blood supply and tissue trophism improve.

Orthopedic medical products

Reducing the manifestation of pain in the hip joint can be achieved with the help of orthoses and rehabilitation materials.Modern developers of medical products have taken care before the possible difficulties that patients will face.

Injuries involving the femoral neck require complete immobilization for several months.There is an orthosis with a rigid fixation to apply to the entire lower extremity for a mass plaster cast - "Derotational Boot".It is convenient for the patient to use the product in practice, allergenicity (plaster causes skin irritation and allergies) and for others to care for the victim's foot.

If a person has to sleep there for many months, an anti-decubitus mattress is indispensable.During the rehabilitation period, when the first steps are taken after an injury, a walker is first used for independent movement.When greater stability is seen, crutches are used, then a cane that provides support during walking.

Symphysitis causes a lot of suffering due to severe pain in the pubic and pelvic region.To alleviate the painful condition, loosen and support the hip joint with the help of compression and hard ribs, an orthopedic corset is used for the pelvic ring.

Choosing the right shoes is of great importance for the proper release of the hip joint.Shock-absorbing protective tracks for everyday wear will eliminate many problems not only with the joint, but also with the back.

The applicant has proven to be effective in relieving pain and improving blood circulation.Plastic needles, which are in close contact with the painful area, first turn into pain and pleasant warmth.During the acute period, the duration of the session is up to 6 times a day, 15 minutes a day for chronic pain, 15 minutes a day.

Therapeutic gymnastics

Exercises have a special role in therapy classes.Combined with a weighted load on the joint, more synovial fluid is produced, which is necessary for more movements, tissue nutrition and performance.A set of exercises is designed by a medical teacher for each patient.

Exercises are performed in the remission phase when there is no pain.The technique of correct execution of movements is explained by a physiotherapist and multiplied under the supervision of a specialist.Movements should not be sharp or sweeping;The number of iterations must be specified.

Therapeutic exercise improves blood flow, tones thigh muscles, improves motor skills in the pelvic joint, facilitates walking, and improves immunity.It should be associated with each exercise;Incorrect actions lead to pain attacks, increased blood pressure and the appearance of microtraumas that lead to inflammation.

A series of exercises to perform at home:

In a lying position, bend your knees at a right angle, pull both legs to your chest at the same time, create some resistance with your hands;
Without changing the position, pull your bent legs one by one, hold for a few seconds;
Lying on your right side, raise your left leg, bent at the knee, repeat the same movement with the other leg;
In a position on the stomach, stretch your arms along the body, raise one straight leg by 15 cm, hold for 5 seconds, perform the movements with both legs;
Sitting in a chair, raise your legs parallel to the floor, repeat the movements with each leg.

Surgical treatment of hip joint

If conservative treatment does not bring the desired result, an operation is performed to alleviate the patient's condition.There are several methods for surgical care:

Arthroscopic debridement - cleans the inner walls of the joints from necrotic particles, washed with a medicinal solution.Manipulation is performed in the operating room.
Periarticular Osteotomy - the fracture of the bones of the partners is carried out to connect at a different angle to reduce the load on the diseased joint.
Endoprosthetics is the replacement of a diseased joint with an artificial joint;The method includes active rehabilitation measures after surgery.

Traditional medicine

Affordable and safe recipes from healers for centuries help relieve pain in the hip joint and speed up recovery.Before use, you should apply to exclude contraindications.

Peel and chop impatiently, add finely chopped celery root and a lemon with a lemon.Mix all ingredients and add hot water, leave in a cool place for a day.Take 1 spoon for thirty days.
Linden and birch tea can be drunk daily to reduce inflammation.A teaspoon of Linden flowers and birch buds are brewed with hot water.After 30 minutes, the decoction is ready for use.
Prepare a herbal mixture: combine 1 tablespoon each of St. John's Wort, chamomile and immortelle.Pour the ingredients into 500 ml of water and boil for 10 minutes.Take 50 ml of the product 3 times a day.
Finely chop the cabinets, add a little honey and 30 ml of vodka.Apply the resulting mixture to the painful joint, securing the top with a plastic wrap.The compress is covered with a warm blanket on top all night.
Mix mustard powder with honey and vegetable oil.Gauze, which is folded in several layers, is dipped in its composition and applied to the joint.Keep the compress for no more than 60 minutes.
Wash the cabbage leaf and oil it with honey, apply it to the hip joint area.Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and cabbage will relieve pain in the joint affected by pain.
Crushed Celandine leaves are mixed with a small amount of olive oil.The mixture is poured for 7 days, after which it is used to rub the painful area.
It is necessary to chop and combine Hop Cones and St. John's Worth, add petroleum jelly to an ointment-like consistency.Apply to the middle of the wound 2 times a day.
Mix red pepper, kerosene and vegetable oil and leave for 3 weeks.Apply more than once a day.

Prevention of hip fusion

To prevent pain in the hip joint from visiting, simple tips will help:

Lifestyle should be active with periodic outdoor physical exercises;
Proper nutrition is the basis of health: excluding fatty, salty and smoked foods, alcohol, sausages, chocolate, sweets;
Do not overload the joints with strenuous physical activity or heavy work;
use preventive bandages to loosen the pelvic joint;
wear comfortable shoes that meet orthopedic standards;
If unpleasant symptoms appear in the hip joint area, see a doctor for an examination and prescribe an effective treatment.