10 hip pain facts

Key Points

• Hip pain is a common complaint among patients of all ages
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial to determine the underlying cause
• A thorough history and physical examination are essential for diagnosis
• Imaging (and laboratory tests in some) are usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis
• Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause.

1. Definition

• Hip pain refers to any discomfort or pain felt in the hip joint or surrounding area. The hip joint is a complex structure consisting of bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, making it susceptible to various injuries and conditions.

• Acute hip pain: sudden onset, usually resulting from trauma or injury
• Chronic hip pain: persistent or recurring pain over time
• Traumatic hip pain: resulting from a specific injury or accident.

2. Epidemiology

• Hip pain affects approximately 15% of adults in the UK. It is one of the most common three causes of chronic pain (with back pain and headache)
• Prevalence increases with age, especially after 65 years
• Females are more likely to experience hip pain than males.

3. Risk Factors

• Age
• Obesity
• Family history of hip disorders
• Previous hip injuries or conditions
• Certain sports or activities (e.g. running, dancing)
• Underlying medical conditions (e.g. osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis).

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Hip fractures
• Tendinitis and bursitis
• Labral tears
• Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in children and adolescents
• Transient synovitis
• Infection (septic arthritis)
• Tumours (primary or metastatic).

• Pain or stiffness in the hip, groin, or buttock
• Limited mobility or stiffness
• Clicking, snapping, or grinding sensations
• Instability or feeling of giving way
• Pain radiating to the knee or lower back.

• Thorough history taking
• Physical examination (including range of motion, strength, and gait assessment)
• Palpation for tenderness or swelling.

• Radiographs (x-rays)
• Ultrasound
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan
• Blood tests (e.g. inflammatory markers, infection screening).

• Lower back pain
• Knee pain
• Pelvic or abdominal conditions
• Soft tissue injuries (e.g. muscle strains)
• Referred pain from other areas.

• Conservative management
  • Pain relief medications
  • Physical therapy
  • Lifestyle modifications
• Surgical interventions
  • Joint replacement
  • Repair or reconstruction
  • Osteotomy.

• Sudden severe hip pain
• Traumatic injury
• Increasing pain or stiffness
• Fever or swelling
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight
• Pain persisting beyond expected recovery time.

• Chronic pain
• Limited mobility
• Decreased quality of life
• Increased risk of falls
• Secondary conditions (e.g. depression, anxiety).

• Varies depending on underlying cause and treatment
• Early diagnosis and intervention improve outcomes
• Chronic conditions may require ongoing management.

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Engage in regular exercise
• Practice proper lifting techniques
• Wear supportive footwear
• Avoid excessive repetitive movements.
  

Summary

We have described 10 facts about hip pain. We hope it has been helpful.

• Osteoarthritis: care and management. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2019)
• Management of osteoarthritis of the hip. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS, 2020).