HIP PAIN HELP HARLEY STREET

The hip joint attaches the leg to the torso of the body. In the hip joint, the head of the thigh bone (femur) swivels in a socket made up of pelvic bones, called the acetabulum. While many causes of hip pain can arise from the joint itself, there are numerous structures surrounding the hip that can also be the source of pain.

Trauma is often the cause of hip pain, but any source of inflammation may cause pain in the hip area. Pain is one of the symptoms of inflammation along with swelling, warmth, and redness; together these are signals that a problem may exist.

CAUSES OF HIP PAIN

Pain can arise from structures that are within the hip joint or from structures surrounding the hip. The hip joint is a potential space, meaning that there is a minimal amount of fluid inside it to allow the femoral head to glide in the socket of the acetabulum. Any illness or injury that causes inflammation will cause this space to fill with fluid or blood, which stretches the hip capsule and results in pain.

The femoral head and the acetabulum are lined with articular cartilage that allows the bones to move in the joint with less friction. Also, the socket area of the acetabulum is covered with tough cartilage called the labrum. Just like any other joint cartilage, these areas can wear away or tear and be the source of pain.

There are thick bands of tissue that surround the hip joint, forming a capsule. These help maintain joint stability, especially with movement.

Movement at the hip joint is possible due to the muscles that surround the hip and the tendons that attach across the hip joint, allowing motion in different directions. Aside from movement, these muscles act in concert to maintain joint stability. There are large bursas (closed fluid-filled sacs) that surround areas of the hip where muscles intersect and allow the muscle and tendon to glide more easily. Any of these structures can become inflamed.

Pain from other sources can be referred to the hip, meaning that while the hip hurts, the problem originates elsewhere. Hip pain is a non-specific complaint that requires the health care practitioner to find the underlying cause.