Innervation of the Hip Joint

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines innervation as the supply of nerves to a part of the body. The hip joint contains several major nerves that coordinate muscle action and issue warnings through pain.

Structure

• The innervation of the hip joint extends from the spine's nerve roots to the muscles that control motion in the hip joint assembly. According to the American Medical Association, essential nerves in this area include the femoral, sciatic, gluteal and ileal nerve groups.

Functions

• Nerves transmit impulses from the brain and alert the brain of problems occurring in a particular body part. The nerves that innervate the hip joint feed instructions to the muscles that allow the ball-and-socket structure to rotate precisely. Pain from a hip joint injury or disease discourages the pain sufferer from causing further damage through continued use.

Considerations

• Nerves in the hip joint may transmit deceptive pain messages. The Los Angeles County Hip and Knee Institute notes that groin or knee pain may actually indicate a hip joint problem. Hip joint pain or numbness usually stems from the femoral or sciatic nerves, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.