Hip pain: causes and treatments

15 November 2025

If you feel pain in your hip joint, you need to determine the cause.Treatment of pain depends on the condition of which it is a symptom.Comprehensive measures and strict compliance with recommendations will help get rid of the disease and maintain joint mobility.Impaired hip joint function prevents you from moving actively.Reduced function will limit the patient's ability to move and work independently.

Anatomical characteristics

A large joint connects the femur and pelvis and provides mobility in three directions: flexion and extension, abduction and rotation of the lower limb.Degenerative changes lead to deformity, limited movement and pain.

The hip joint is supplied with blood through the main femoral arteries, localized in the joint area.Diseases can disrupt blood vessel capacity leading to hypoxia and nutrient deficiencies.

The large nerve trunks of the sciatic nerve, obturator nerve, and femoral nerve provide innervation.Compression or compression of nerve endings leads to severe nerve pain in the pelvic area.

Causes of hip pain

The development of diseases of various etiologies in the hip joint area leads to serious health problems, including disability.The appearance of pain in the hip joint accompanies each pathology at different stages of development.

The cause of pain determines its nature and intensity.Acute pain occurs due to trauma, inflammatory processes, purulence, while aching, not intense pain is due to chronic diseases.

Numerous diseases of unknown origin and birth defects lead to the appearance of symptoms.The syndrome appears initially or may appear as a result of progression of the medical condition.

Causes illness

Trauma of varying 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, severe pain in the hip joint is felt.After that, the pain weakens and becomes silent.Common injuries: pelvic fracture, hip dislocation, femoral neck fracture.All of the above injuries occurred after a direct, severe injury from a fall or being hit.The situation becomes more complicated if a person has a history of osteoporosis or degeneration of the cartilage and bone tissues of the joints.
Skeletal myositis is characterized by inflammation in the connective tissues of the joint capsule.Appears after trauma or is inherited from parents.The progression leads to morphological changes in the cartilage tissue, which over time degenerates into bone.
Hip dislocation, whether occurring at birth or developing in the womb, leads to deformities, limited movement and nerve compression.With this pathology, not only body pain but also nerve pain occurs in the hip joint.
Coxarthrosis is a common disease in older people who lead a sedentary lifestyle or do heavy work.Dystrophic changes in cartilage and subsequent bone deformation cause pain.The first symptoms appear due to excessive stress.The process of elevation is accompanied by constant dull pain that does not go away with prolonged rest or sleep.Worsening of the syndrome continues in parallel with progressive changes in the hip joint.
Arthritis - inflammation in the joint capsule accompanied by severe sharp pain.It may appear as an independent disease or as a complication following trauma or infectious disease.
Reiter's syndrome is an allergic reaction, most often occurring after infectious diseases.There are cases where this condition develops after chlamydia or gonorrhea enters the joint capsule.Pathology is accompanied by acute pain in the hip joint and tissue swelling.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease of the immune system in which the body's cells recognize healthy tissue as foreign and attempt to destroy it.This condition leads to transformation of joint tissues against the background of a severe inflammatory process.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a systemic disease of the joints of a chronic nature.The process is located in the iliosacral region accompanied by pain in the pelvic area, developing mainly at night.The patient's pain increases in the morning, stiffness disappears after active movement or exercise.
Osteochondritis dissecans, also known as Koenig's disease, develops in the cartilage that contacts the femur.The cartilage begins to peel off as it continues to separate in a small area.This condition is often complicated by synovitis.The patient complains of pain in the hip joint;at the final stage, complete blockade occurs due to the presence of necrotic cartilage tissue in the joint cavity.
Legg-Calvé-Perthess disease is a disease similar to osteoarthritis, which develops when blood circulation and nutrition in the hip joint are impaired.It is characterized by progressive necrosis of the femoral head, accompanied by pain and gait disturbances due to limb shortening.The disease is considered a pediatric disease because children of preschool and elementary school age are more likely to get the disease.
Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, which then fills with disease-causing fluid.The disease appears in the bursa located near the hip joint, causing pain mainly when moving or palpating.
Synovitis is an inflammatory lesion of the synovial membrane lining the joint capsule.In the acute phase, the hip joint has continuous severe pain;During the chronic course, symptoms will subside.
Arthritis - changes in the tissues of the pubic symphysis with divergence of the pubic bones.Occurs during pregnancy and childbirth.The disease is inflammatory in nature, accompanied by severe pain in the pubic area, spreading to the hip joint.
Nerve root syndrome in the pelvic region is manifested by neuropathic pain.The syndrome occurs due to compression of large nerves located in the area where the femur and pelvis meet due to bone growth and deformed tissues.
Varus foot deformity, clubfoot, may be a congenital defect or an acquired condition.Improperly distributed load on the foot due to inward displacement of the forefoot will negatively affect the hip and knee joints.Over time, if not handled properly or without treatment, the hip joint will become deformed, causing pain.
Enthesopathy is a degenerative-dystrophic process in the ligamentous apparatus of the joints.These processes are often accompanied by inflammation.The painful condition leads to structural weakening of ligaments and tendons, which can tear connective tissue.In addition, there is ossification in certain areas, reducing joint function.
Intermittent hydrorthrosis is a chronic joint pathology in which there is an increased synthesis of synovial fluid, accompanied by an increase in joint volume and a decrease in motor activity due to pain.
Synovial chondromatosis is the degeneration of the synovial membrane areas of joints into cartilaginous forms.New growth can reach the size of a matchbox.Accompanied by severe pain when moving, the amplitude decreases until the hip joint is completely blocked.
Adolescent epiphyseal lysis is the pathological displacement of the femoral head downward and backward.Boys get sick during puberty, problems occur due to imbalance 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 can develop due to acute lack of circulation in the hip joint.Against the background of bone tissue death, severe pain turns into a burning sensation, significantly limiting the ability to move the affected leg.Attacks last for several days and pass before the onset of the next acute phase.
There have been cases of gout developing in the hip joint.Excessive formation of uric acid with insufficient excretion crystallizes and is deposited in the joint cavity, gradually filling it.When a gout attack occurs, the pain becomes unbearable.
Malignant tumors in the bones or surrounding tissues.

Symptom

Hip pain is divided into 3 degrees:

mild – accompanied by small injuries and the consequences after intense stress on the muscles of the thighs and buttocks;
moderate – occurs with dystrophic, inflammatory and infectious diseases, which can be localized or spread to the lower limbs or pubic bone;
strong - manifested by fractures, severe dislocations, accompanied by severe limitation of movement in the joints and sometimes paralysis.

Pain that progresses at night and disappears during the day appears in diseases with blood vessel obstruction.The lack of blood circulation can cause numbness, tingling, and crawling sensations.

Many diseases occur due to inflammation in the joint capsule, ligaments or surrounding tissues.

In this case, characteristic symptoms appear:

Swelling around the hip joint appears due to a decrease in the flow of excess fluid, while the skin stretches and becomes shiny;
change in skin color over the painful area: from moderate red to blue;
Locally increased temperature over the joint area is due to a response to acute inflammation;
Severe symptoms cause systemic poisoning, accompanied by headaches, joint pain and fever.

Methods of diagnosing the hip joint

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

Laboratory blood tests will show underlying or overt inflammation, presence of rheumatoid factor;
Check the bacteria of synovial fluid to identify the causative agent of inflammation;
tissue biopsy suspected of having malignant elements;
X-ray examination of the hip joint from different sides will help identify signs of tissue deformation;
joint ultrasound examination;
Doppler is an ultrasound method to evaluate blood circulation;
computed tomography.

degenerative changes and pain in the hip joint

Hip joint treatment

If the hip joint is painful, treatments may vary depending on the condition.It all depends on the pathology, the symptoms are pain and discomfort.The set of procedures is determined from medication, physical therapy, therapeutic exercise and alternative medicine methods.Strict compliance with recommendations and fulfillment of all prescriptions leads to the normalization of the condition.Only a doctor should prescribe medications and medications.

Treatment with medication

Anesthetics may be used for temporary pain relief.Pain relievers do not treat the cause of hip pain, but they do relieve symptoms for a short time.
In case of severe pain, if non-narcotic analgesics are ineffective, a blockade will be performed.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic drugs.The drug is used strictly according to instructions, do not exceed the dosage so as not to cause side effects in the digestive 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.They can be injected directly into the diseased joint during puncture.
Antibiotics are prescribed for associated purulent infections.Antibacterial substances have a detrimental effect on pathogens, destroying the cause of the disease.Along with antibiotics, patients are prescribed probiotics to normalize intestinal microflora.
Muscle relaxants - effectively relax muscles, eliminate spasms.The medicine will reduce the tone to the point of immobility, reducing pain in the pelvic area.
Diuretics remove fluid, prevent swelling and negatively affect the functioning of the heart.
Vitamin therapy is indicated to strengthen immunity and improve overall health.Biochemical processes ensure that the body's vital functions occur at an optimal rate.
In cases where degenerative processes destroy joints, chondroprotectors are used for a long time to stop the degenerative process and restore independence.The medicine contains chondroitin and glucosamine, the deficiency of which will create imbalance in the joints.The drug is used in pill form and is also injected into the joint.
Sedatives for unbalanced mental state.Nervous system disorders occur when a person experiences constant, debilitating pain in the hip joint.
Vasoprotective drugs to improve blood microcirculation.They improve metabolic processes in the walls of blood vessels, increasing their permeability.

Physical therapy treatment of hip pain

Modern methods of auxiliary therapy relieve pain in the affected area and help to quickly get rid of the pathology.Modern medicine has many methods to relieve hip pain.

Each method is specified with the purpose of:

improves blood circulation in the tissues of the hip joint;
reduces inflammation;
pain relief;
prevents the development of edema;
improves metabolic processes in cells;
begins the process of tissue self-healing;
strengthen the immune system.

Laser therapy allows you to affect the joints, penetrating up to 9 cm.The laser beam directed at the affected area will heat the thickness of the tissue down to the bone.The healing effect on nerve processes reduces pain.This method is designed to reduce inflammation;Analgesic effect is additive.

Electrophoresis is the use of electric current to penetrate deep into tissue.A low-intensity, low-voltage direct current is prescribed in combination with an anti-inflammatory or pain reliever for use through a chemical reaction.

Magnetic field therapy ensures penetration of the magnetic pulse current to a depth of 7 to 12 cm.Treatment is carried out in sessions, the effect is achieved at the end of the treatment period and is maintained until the start of the next treatment session.To improve the health of the hip joint, a device that reduces pain and activates the regeneration process is suitable.

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

Orthopedic medical products

Pain in the hip joint can be reduced with the help of orthotics and rehabilitation items.Modern medical product developers are already concerned about the possible difficulties that patients will face.

Injuries involving the femoral neck require complete immobilization for several months.In order not to have to put a large plaster cast on the entire lower limb, an orthopedic device with a degree of rigid fixation is needed - a “derotational shoe”.Convenient for the patient to use the product in practice, safe in terms of allergies (plaster causes skin irritation and allergies) and for others to care for the victim's feet.

An anti-posture mattress is indispensable if a person has to lie there for many months.During rehabilitation, when the first steps are taken after the injury, the walker is used for independent movement for the first time.As greater stability occurs, crutches are used and then canes for support when walking.

Sympathitis causes a lot of suffering due to severe pain in the pubic and pelvic areas.To alleviate the painful condition, the hip joint is removed, compressed and supported with the help of rigid ribs, an orthopedic corset for the pelvic ring is used.

Choosing the right shoe is of great importance to provide proper release of the hip joint.Shock-absorbing preventative pads for daily wear will reduce many problems not only with the joints but also with the spine.

The applicator has been shown to be effective in relieving pain and improving blood circulation.The plastic needle comes into close contact with the painful area that first causes pain, which turns into a pleasant warmth.In the acute stage, the duration of the session is 5 minutes to 6 times a day, for chronic pain – 15 minutes to 3 times a day.

Exercise therapy

Therapeutic exercise classes have a special role.The more movements a joint performs with a measured load, the more synovial fluid is produced, necessary for nutrition and functioning of tissues.A set of exercises is compiled by a medical instructor for each patient.

Exercises are performed during the remission phase, when there is no longer any pain.The correct technique of performing the movements is explained and reproduced by the physiotherapist under expert supervision.Movement is not sharp or sweeping;The number of repetitions must be as instructed.

Therapeutic exercises help improve blood flow, tone thigh muscles, increase mobility in the pelvic joints, make walking easier and improve immunity.Each exercise must be coordinated;Incorrect actions will cause pain, increased blood pressure and micro-traumas leading to infection.

Some exercises that can be done at home:

In a lying position, bend your knees at a right angle, and at the same time pull both legs towards your chest, using your hands to create slight resistance;
Without changing position, pull each bent leg up, holding for a few seconds;
Lie on your right side, lift your left leg, bend your knee, repeat the same movement with the other leg;
In a prone position, stretch your arms along the body, raise your straightened legs 15 cm, hold for 5 seconds, perform the movements alternately with both legs;
Sit on a chair, lift your legs parallel to the floor, repeat the movement with each leg.

Hip joint surgery

When conservative treatment does not yield the desired results, surgery is performed to alleviate the patient's condition.There are several methods of surgical care:

Arthroscopic surgery - cleaning the inner walls of the joint from necrotic particles, then rinsing with a medicinal solution.Operations are performed in the operating room.
Periarticular osteotomy - the articular fracture is performed to connect at a different angle to reduce the load on the diseased joint.
Arthroscopy is the replacement of a diseased joint with an artificial joint;This approach includes intensive rehabilitation activities after surgery.

Traditional medicine

Safe and affordable recipes from healers with centuries of experience help relieve hip pain and speed recovery.Before use, you should consult to rule out contraindications.

Peel and chop a head of garlic, add finely chopped celery root and a lemon with zest.Mix all ingredients and add hot water, leave for a day in a cool place.Take 1 spoon for thirty days.
You can drink linden and birch bud tea every day to reduce inflammation.A teaspoon of linden flowers and birch buds is mixed with hot water.After 30 minutes, the decoction is ready for use.
Prepare the herbal mixture: St.John's wort, chamomile and immortelle, mix 1 spoon each.Pour the composition into 500 ml of water and boil for 10 minutes.Take the product 50 ml 3 times a day.
Finely chop the radish, add a little honey and 30 ml of vodka.Apply the resulting mixture to the sore joint, cover it with plastic wrap on top.The compress is covered with a layer of warm blanket all night.
Mix mustard powder with honey and vegetable oil.Gauze, folded in several layers, is dipped in the composition and applied to the joint.Keep the compress for no more than 60 minutes.
Wash cabbage leaves, smear with honey and apply on hip joints.Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and cabbage will reduce pain in affected joints.
Crush celandine leaves mixed with a small amount of olive oil.This mixture is infused for 7 days, then used to rub the painful area.
It is necessary to chop and combine hop cones and St.John's wort, add kerosene to get an ointment-like consistency.Rub into painful joints twice a day.
Mix red pepper, kerosene and vegetable oil and leave for 3 weeks.Use for rubbing no more than once a day.

Prevention of hip joint disease

To prevent pain in the hip joint from appearing, simple recommendations will help:

Lifestyle should be active with periodic light physical exercises;
Proper nutrition is the basis of health: exclude fatty, salty and smoked foods, alcohol, sausages, chocolate, confectionery;
do not overload the joints during tiring physical activity or heavy work;
Use a prophylactic bandage to dislodge the pelvic joint;
wear comfortable shoes that meet orthopedic standards;
If uncomfortable symptoms appear in the hip joint area, see a doctor for an examination and effective treatment.