5 Primary Causes of Hip Pain in Women

Hip pain is a common issue that many women experience. Hip injuries can cause pain in the hip joint, groin, upper thigh, and buttocks. Pain can be caused by everyday activities like getting up from a chair or walking, but it can also worsen with overuse.

Read more: Do You Have a Hip Injury? Here’s How to Tell.

Below are five common causes of hip pain in women that you should know about:

1) Arthritis

Arthritis is a progressive inflammatory disease that can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the hip joint. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in women and is caused by wear and tear on the joints over time. It’s more common in people over 65, but it can also affect younger people who are overweight or have had a traumatic injury to the hip.

Some common symptoms of arthritis in the hip include:

• Difficulty with weight-bearing activities

• Pain that gets worse after long periods of sitting or standing

• Swelling and stiffness around the joint

Other types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, both of which can cause hip pain.

2) Bursitis

Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursae — small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints. It’s usually caused by overuse or trauma to the joint. It is more common in women who are overweight, have jobs involving repetitive hip motions, or participate in running and other high-impact activities. Bursitis symptoms include joint pain when walking, sitting for long periods, or moving the leg away from your body (like when getting into a car). Treatment usually involves rest, physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the joint, and anti-inflammatory medication.

3) Hip Fractures

A hip fracture is a break in the top of your thigh bone that usually occurs after a fall or direct blow. Hip fractures can occur with minimal trauma, often because of weakened bones caused by osteoporosis.

Women over age 50 are particularly at risk for this type of injury. Symptoms include pain, swelling around the hip area, and difficulty moving the leg. Treatment for a hip fracture may include bed rest, using a walker or cane, physical therapy to restore strength and mobility, and sometimes surgery.

4) Hip Dysplasia and Impingement

An abnormal shape of the hip socket causes hip dysplasia and impingement. Hip dysplasia occurs when your hip joint is not in its correct position, while impingement is a problem with the muscles or tendons surrounding the hip joint. Both conditions may cause pain when you move your leg away from your body, especially when trying to lift the leg up. Physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes can help reduce pain and improve mobility in women with these conditions. Surgery is sometimes necessary for more severe cases.

5) Hernia

A hernia is one of the common causes of hip pain in women. It is usually caused by a weakening or an injury to the abdomen area, which can cause the tissue that lies near it to protrude through the weakened spot. A hernia often presents as a lump or bulge in the middle of your hip area and can be very painful if left untreated. Treatment for a hernia typically involves surgery. However, lifestyle changes can also be made to reduce the burden of a hernia on your hips. These include avoiding activities that cause strain or stress on your abdomen, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating well. Additionally, wearing a supportive brace may help with pain management.

Call Ascension Saint Agnes for hip pain in Baltimore. Our expert team of orthopedic specialists is here to help you find relief from hip pain.