What are the causes of hip pain on the left or right side?

Common Causes of Hip Pain

Hip pain can be caused by a range of conditions, and the specific cause may depend on factors such as age, activity level, and overall health. Some common causes include:

• Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage in the hip joint wears down over time. It can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae (small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint) can cause pain on the outside of the hip. Greater trochanteric bursitis is a common type that affects the outer hip.
• Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the hip, often due to overuse or repetitive activities, can lead to pain, particularly in athletes.
• Hip Fractures: A fracture in the hip, often due to a fall or trauma, can cause severe pain and inability to bear weight on the affected side.
• Labral Tears: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the hip joint. Tears in the labrum can cause pain, clicking, or locking sensations in the hip.

Other Potential Causes

In addition to the common causes mentioned, other conditions can also lead to hip pain:

• Referred Pain: Sometimes, pain in the hip can be referred from other areas, such as the lower back or knees. Conditions like sciatica can cause pain that radiates to the hip.
• Infections: Infections in the hip joint (septic arthritis) or surrounding tissues can lead to significant pain, swelling, and fever.
• Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis can cause hip pain due to inflammation in the joints.
• Tumors: Although rare, tumors in the hip area can cause pain and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience persistent or severe hip pain, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, redness, fever, or difficulty moving the hip, it is important to seek medical attention. To help identify what might be causing your discomfort, you can start by taking a free symptom checker assessment to better understand your symptoms before consulting with a healthcare provider. A medical professional can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include imaging studies, to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.