Hip joint pain can arise from structures within the joint or structures surrounding the hip joint. It joins legs with torso of the body, the thigh bone femur swivels in the joint made up of pelvic bones, this structure is like a socket and contains space and very less fluid in it. This socket like structure is called acetabulum. Any injury or infection fills this space with fluid or blood which restricts the free movement of the head of the femur causing pain, stiffness, and even locking of the joint. Inflammation, swelling, redness and warmth are few symptoms of this pain.

Muscles and tendons are attached to hip joint which in concert enables the movement of the joint, apart from the movement, muscles also ensure joint stability. In the hip joint large brusaes are present which are sacs filled with fluid and these are attached to the intersections of muscles to help tendons and muscles glide smoothly and without friction. Thick band of tissues and sciatica nerve is also attached to the hip joint.

Any inflammation caused to the structures of the joint or to those which are attached to the joint can cause pain in the hip joint. Inflammation or damage to the muscles attached to the joint can create problems during the movement, inflamed tendons commonly due to tendinitis or swelling of brusaes due to trochanteric bursitis can also cause mild to severe joint pain in the hip. Osteonecrosis is also one of the most common reasons for hip joint pain which occurs when there is inadequate blood supply to any part of the skeletal structure of the joint. The other reasons for hip joint pain are muscle pulls, and fractures either directly of the bones involved in the joint or to the femur and stress fractures which occur due to over use of the joint particularly by athletes or sportspersons. Many types of arthritis can also cause hip pain as they can infect tissues and muscles and also damage the brusaes to avoid smooth movement of femur in the acetabulum and of muscles and tendons.

Inability to walk properly or reduced stride are very common and early symptoms of hip joint pain. Bending and getting up from sitting position require lot of effort and the joint pose resistance during such activities. Pain in the hip while lying and resting also suggests some problem to the joint. Pain accompanied by redness, fever or swelling at the joint signifies serious joint problem in the joint. People having strained or pinched sciatica nerve or suffering from herniated disc may not be having any problem in the hip joint but they might experience some pain due to these problems.

NSAID are recommended by the doctors along with the treatment to control pain and enable the patient to move the joint. Herbs like echnacea, ginseng, winter cherry and ginger are also helpful in controlling pain and inflammation. Massages and exercises are always helpful in reducing the frequency of the painful episodes. In case of complete immovability of the joint, hip replacement surgery is the last option.