What Can Cause Hip Pain?

Although the term "hip pain" can indicate pain anywhere in the low back, sacroiliac joints, buttocks, or upper thigh, the term properly refers to pain that is felt directly over the acetabulofemoral joint (that is, where your thighbone connects to the side of your pelvis, a ball-and-socket joint below your waist). Hip pain can originate in the hip, or it can be referred from other structures. Here are a few possible causes of your hip pain:

- degeneration
- muscle tightness
- rheumatoid arthritis
- fracture, as from a fall
- stress fracture from overuse
- muscular imbalance
- hip bursitis
- bruise
- dislocation
- torn labrum
- bony problems in children, such as avascular necrosis or slipped epiphysis
- referred pain from the knee or from a hernia
- fibrous dysplasia
- tumor
- infection

Hip pain may be merely a passing problem, or it may indicate a serious underlying disease. Contact a doctor right away to receive proper advice and diagnosis.

Can you think of any other possible causes of hip pain?