Hip pain

Hip pain can have many causes. Hip problems can arise acutely or develop gradually. Although most people experience hip problems at an older age, hip pain can also occur at a younger age. In this article you can read how the hip is structured and which conditions can cause hip pain.

Anatomy of the hip

Two bones meet in the hip joint: the hip bone (also called the os coxae) and the thigh bone (the femur). The hip bone is part of the pelvis. On both sides of the hip bone there is a socket. The femur fits into this socket and, with its rounded head, forms a ball-and-socket joint with the hip bone of the pelvis.

Cartilage
Both the socket and the head are covered with a layer of cartilage. Cartilage is very smooth and ensures that the head and socket glide well over each other. Wear or damage to the cartilage can cause hip pain because the two bones can no longer move properly over each other. This is called hip osteoarthritis.

Ligaments and capsules
The head and socket of the hip joint are held together by the joint capsule. This consists of strong ligaments that ensure the joint cannot dislocate. Damage to the capsules and ligaments can result in hip pain.

Muscles and tendons
Movements in the hip joint are provided by the hip muscles. These muscles attach via tendons to the bone of the pelvis and the bones of the thigh or lower leg. The location of a muscle and its attachment to the bones determines which movements the muscle can produce in the joint. Overworked muscles and tendons can cause pain in or around the hip joint.

Location of hip pain
A problem with muscles and tendons is usually felt in the region where the muscle or tendon is located. However, when the problem is in the hip joint itself, the pain is often felt in the groin. As a result, groin and hip symptoms are often confused. When there is groin pain, the hip should always be examined as well.

Check your symptoms

Because hip pain can have different causes, we advise you to take the online physical therapy check. This is a test for, among other things, hip pain. First indicate where you feel the pain. You will then be asked a number of questions about your symptoms so that we can make a good first assessment. The result shows the condition(s) you may be dealing with. If desired, you can then share the result with a physical therapist near you.

Hip conditions

The overview below provides insight into conditions that can cause pain in or around the hip. Each article provides extensive information about the underlying anatomy, symptoms, and treatment.