What you need to know about Hip Pain

The hip joint is designed to withstand repeated motion and a fair amount of wear and tear. This ball-and-socket joint -- the body’s largest -- fits together in a way that allows for fluid movement. Whenever you use the hip (for example, by going for a run), a cushion of cartilage helps prevent friction as the hip bone moves in its socket.

Despite its durability, the hip joint isn’t indestructible. With age and use, the cartilage can wear down or become damaged. Muscles and tendons in the hip can get overused. The hip bone itself can be fractured during a fall or other injury. Any of these conditions can lead to hip pain.

If your hips are sore, here is a rundown of what might be causing your discomfort and how to get hip pain relief.

Depending on the condition that’s causing your hip pain, you might feel the discomfort in your:

· Thigh

· Inside of the hip joint

· Groin

· Outside of the hip joint

· Buttocks

Sometimes pain from other areas of the body, such as the back or groin (from a hernia), can radiate to the hip.

You might notice that your pain gets worse with activity, especially if it’s caused by arthritis. Along with the pain, you might have reduced range of motion. Some people develop a limp from persistent hip pain.

Get medical help right away if:

· The hip pain came on suddenly.

· A fall or other injury triggered the hip pain.

· Your joint looks deformed or is bleeding.

· You heard a popping noise in the joint when you injured it.

· The pain is intense.

· You can’t put any weight on your hip.

· You can’t move your leg or hip.