Medical Causes of Hip Pain

Hip pain can be caused by problems with the hip joint or by injury or diseases that affect the muscles and bones around the hip. Diseases that affect other parts of the body, such as bone loss or inflammation can also affect the hip. People whose hip pain results in an inability to bear weight, sudden swelling or intense pain should seek urgent medical treatment.

Avascular Necrosis

• Avascular necrosis is death of bone tissue due to the loss of blood supply, and can occur at the top of the femur, resulting in hip pain.

Fractures

• Fractures of the hip commonly result from a fall, especially in the elderly, but may also result from trauma such as a car accident.

Osteoarthritis

• Osteoarthritis is the wearing down of cartilage that causes bones to scrape together and may cause pain in the joints of the hip.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that attacks the joints and causes severe swelling and pain, and can occur in the joints of the hip.

Osteoporosis

• Osteoporosis is a weakening of the bones that is so severe even a bump against a piece of furniture could crack the bone, and according to the Mayo Clinic, the bones of the hip are commonly affected by osteoporosis.

Lupus

• Lupus is a an attack of the immune system on the body's joints, bones and organs resulting in chronic inflammation that can affect the hip and result in hip pain.

Sciatica

• Sciatica is inflammation of the sciatic nerve that runs the length of the spine and into the hips, and may cause hip pain and tenderness.