Hip Pain

Causes, Conditions, and Care

Hip pain is a common issue that affects people of all ages and activity levels. It can limit daily movement, interfere with rest, and make once-enjoyable activities difficult. Whether the pain develops gradually or begins after a sudden injury, the hip joint’s complexity means that discomfort often stems from several potential causes. Our clinic works closely with individuals experiencing hip pain, addressing conditions such as impingement, arthritis, and bursitis, to help restore mobility and comfort.

What is Hip Pain?

The hip is one of the largest weight-bearing joints in the body, designed to provide both stability and a wide range of movement. The thigh bone meets the pelvis to form it, and cartilage, ligaments, muscles, and tendons surround it. This structure can cause hip pain that originates from the joint surfaces, the supporting soft tissues, or nearby areas such as the lower back.

Some people experience sharp pain with specific movements. In contrast, others notice a dull ache that worsens after long periods of activity. The discomfort may also radiate to the groin, thigh, or buttock, making it essential to consider all possible contributing factors.

Causes of Hip Pain

There are many potential triggers for hip pain, including:

• Overuse or repetitive strain from sports, exercise, or work-related activities.
• Injury or trauma, such as falls or accidents.
• Age-related changes that affect the cartilage and surrounding tissues.
• Postural imbalances or biomechanical issues.

Within these broad causes, three conditions commonly stand out: hip impingement, arthritis, and bursitis.

Hip Impingement

Hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), occurs when the bones of the hip joint do not fit together smoothly. Extra bone growth or irregular joint shape can cause friction during movement.

Symptoms of hip impingement may include:

• Sharp pain in the front of the hip or groin.
• Stiffness, especially after sitting for long periods.
• A clicking or catching sensation with specific movements.
• Limited hip range of motion, particularly with bending or twisting.

If left unaddressed, hip impingement may lead to additional joint damage over time. Early management helps reduce strain on the cartilage and surrounding tissues.

Hip Arthritis

Arthritis in the hip develops when the protective cartilage around the joint begins to wear away. This degeneration can cause bones to rub against each other, resulting in stiffness and discomfort. Osteoarthritis is the most common form, but inflammatory types such as rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the hip.

Signs of hip arthritis often include:

• Gradual onset of joint pain that worsens with activity.
• Morning stiffness that improves as the day progresses.
• Reduced ability to walk, climb stairs, or bend.
• A grinding or aching sensation in the joint.

Managing hip arthritis often involves lifestyle modifications, therapeutic interventions, and exercises designed to maintain flexibility and support surrounding muscles.

Hip Bursitis

Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions between bones, muscles, and tendons. Hip bursitis occurs when these sacs become irritated or inflamed, usually due to repetitive movements, prolonged pressure, or injury.

Common symptoms of hip bursitis include:

• Localized pain on the outer side of the hip.
• Discomfort when lying on the affected side.
• Swelling or tenderness around the joint.
• Pain that worsens with walking, climbing stairs, or rising from a chair.

While bursitis can be temporary, recurring flare-ups may require professional care to prevent long-term issues.

How Our Clinic Approaches Hip Pain

Clinicians shape treatment plans according to the underlying condition, personal goals, and activity level, since every individual experiences hip pain differently. At our clinic, we focus on identifying the root cause rather than simply addressing symptoms. A thorough assessment typically includes mobility testing, strength evaluation, and a discussion of lifestyle factors that may impact joint health.

From there, we introduce targeted strategies to:

• Improve hip strength and stability.
• Increase range of motion through guided exercises.
• Reduce strain on inflamed or irritated tissues.
• Support recovery from flare-ups and prevent recurrence.

Education is also central to care, ensuring each person understands the factors that influence their hip condition and the practical steps they can take to manage it.

Daily Life and Hip Pain

Living with hip pain can have wide-reaching effects beyond physical movement. Activities such as walking, driving, sleeping, and even sitting at a desk may become uncomfortable. Over time, reduced mobility can impact independence and limit participation in social, recreational, or work-related tasks.

Addressing hip pain early helps maintain quality of life and reduces the risk of long-term complications. Many individuals benefit from learning safe movement techniques, modifying certain habits, and strengthening muscles that provide stability to the joint.

When to Seek Help

While mild hip pain may improve with rest and self-care, it is essential to seek help if:

• The pain persists for more than a few weeks.
• Walking or standing becomes increasingly tricky.
• You notice swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint.
• Hip discomfort regularly disrupts sleep.

Professional evaluation can determine whether the pain stems from impingement, arthritis, bursitis, or another condition, and guide an appropriate management plan.

Our Commitment

At Vitality Spine and Rehab, we understand the significant impact hip pain can have on daily living. Our clinic offers thorough assessments and personalized strategies to support recovery from conditions such as impingement, arthritis, and bursitis.

By focusing on the whole picture rather than only the painful area, we help individuals move toward improved mobility, function, and comfort. With the right approach, many people notice that they perform daily activities more easily, move more naturally, and experience less recurring discomfort.