Hip Pain
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the femur and acetabulum. The function of the hip is to allow for stable weight-bearing movement of the lower extremity producing locomotion. The hip has multiple tissues and structures which can present with a variety of pathologies which may create local, systemic, or referred pain. The location of the hip to the SI joint as well as the lumbar spine makes it particularly difficult to differentiate true hip pain.
True hip pain, whether neuromusculoskeletal or systemic, is felt posteriorly deep within the buttock or anteriorly in the groin, sometimes with radiating pain down the thigh. Pain perceived on the lateral side of the hip is usually not caused by an intra-articular problem, but more likely results from a trigger point, bursitis, SI, or back problem. True hip joint disease may present with painful active or passive motion at the hip joint that increases during weight bearing. If the symptoms are soft tissue related, the client may lean toward the affected side to compensate for the downward rotation of the pelvis. Soft tissue involvement of the bursa or tendon may cause pain to radiate down the leg to the level of insertion of the iliotibial tract on the proximal tibia.
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the femur and acetabulum. The function of the hip is to allow for stable weight-bearing movement of the lower extremity producing locomotion. The hip has multiple tissues and structures which can present with a variety of pathologies which may create local, systemic, or referred pain. The location of the hip to the SI joint as well as the lumbar spine makes it particularly difficult to differentiate true hip pain.
True hip pain, whether neuromusculoskeletal or systemic, is felt posteriorly deep within the buttock or anteriorly in the groin, sometimes with radiating pain down the thigh. Pain perceived on the lateral side of the hip is usually not caused by an intra-articular problem, but more likely results from a trigger point, bursitis, SI, or back problem. True hip joint disease may present with painful active or passive motion at the hip joint that increases during weight bearing. If the symptoms are soft tissue related, the client may lean toward the affected side to compensate for the downward rotation of the pelvis. Soft tissue involvement of the bursa or tendon may cause pain to radiate down the leg to the level of insertion of the iliotibial tract on the proximal tibia.
"Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow."
~Anthony J. D'Angelo~
~Anthony J. D'Angelo~
Disclaimer: This is not a comprehensive list of all conditions leading to hip pain. Many other conditions may cause referred pain to the hip. This website focuses on the more common conditions found in a physical therapy clinic.
Website content last edited: July 7, 2013