Hip Pain

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Hip Pain: Common Causes

Two common and concerning causes of hip pain include fractures and insufficient blood flow to the hip (aseptic necrosis).

A hip fracture can change the quality of your life significantly. Fewer than 50% of those with a hip fracture return to their former level of activity. In addition, while recovering from a hip fracture, several possible complications can be life-threatening. These include pneumonia and a blood clot in the leg, which can dislodge and cause a blood clot in the lungs. Both are due to immobility following a hip fracture and hip surgery.

Hip fractures become more common as people age, because falls are more likely and bones become less dense. People with osteoporosis can get a fracture from simple, everyday actitivies, not just a dramatic fall or injury.

Aseptic necrosis can happen if you have been on steroids for a long time or if you have sickle cell anemia. Regular use of alcohol and injury also increase your risk for this condition.

Other possible causes of hip pain include:

• Arthritis -- often felt in the front part of your thigh.
• Trochanteric bursitis -- inflammation of the bursa that sits on the outside of your hip joint. This hurts when you get up from a chair, walk, climb stairs, and drive.
• Tendinitis from repetitive or strenuous activity.
• Strain or sprain.
• Low back pain such as sciatica.
• Infection.