10 Surprising Reasons Why Your Hip Might Be Hurting

That persistent ache in your hip—is it just "getting old," a workout strain, or something far more complex? Hip pain is notoriously deceptive, often radiating from unexpected sources, making it one of the body's most frustrating mysteries. What begins as a dull throb in your groin could hint at a deep joint issue, while a sharp pang in your outer buttock might signal soft tissue distress. Even more surprising? Your lower back could be secretly orchestrating the discomfort. Pinpointing the true culprit is critical, because treating the wrong source means endless frustration. This article unveils 10 surprising reasons why your hip might be hurting, unmasking the hidden origins behind this common ailment and guiding you toward the precise relief you truly need.

1. Arthritis

There are more than one hundred identified types of arthritis, many of which affect the hips. The causes and progression of different arthritis vary widely, as does the age of onset. Some types of arthritis that involve the hips are septic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the type of arthritis that occurs most commonly, with millions affected. With osteoarthritis, the cartilage responsible for cushioning the patient's bones slowly wears down, causing the bones to grind painfully together. Osteoarthritis has the potential to damage any joint, but it most commonly presents in the spine, hips, knees, and hands. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, and it occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's healthy tissue. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the lining of an individual's joints, causing the joint to swell up painfully. As time goes on, the disease causes permanent joint deformity and bone erosion. The inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can also cause damage to other portions of the body.

2. Hip Fracture

A hip fracture, also called a broken hip, is one of many injuries that can cause hip pain. Any kind of fracture is a medical emergency that requires immediate help. It is especially important for individuals to get help if they're elderly or have more fragile bones because of another condition. The complications from this injury can cause life-threatening problems. One of the most common reasons behind hip fractures is tripping and falling. Older individuals are more likely to fall because of balance issues, declining vision, and multiple medications with varying side effects. Nearly every type of hip fracture needs to be repaired with surgery or a hip replacement, and physical therapy takes place after surgery. The best way to prevent hip fractures is for individuals to maintain their overall bone density and take steps to avoid falling. A hip fracture tends to cause severe pain in the groin or hip. Patients may also notice the leg on their injured side is shorter, that they have trouble straightening this leg, and that they can't put weight on the leg.