We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Most Common Causes of Pain in the Side of the Hip?

Dan Cavallari
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,346
Share

Like many injuries to the body, pain in the side of the hip is most often due to direct trauma, or an injury resulting from direct force applied to the side of the hip. This may occur during athletic activities, a fall, or some other type of accident. Other causes include bursitis, arthritis, and tendinitis, as well as muscle strains and ligament strains. In some cases, simple overuse may cause pain in the hip, and this type of pain generally abates after a sufficient amount of rest and stretching.

Hip bursitis is an inflammation of a fluid-filled sac within the hip structure. The sac, known as a bursa, acts as a cushion between two surfaces within the body, such as ligaments or muscles. The trochanteric bursa is located on the outside of the hip, so when this bursa becomes irritated and inflamed, it can cause pain in the side of the hip. Hip bursitis can make sleeping painful, as well as walking or climbing stairs. In most cases, the condition can be treated with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication, but if the fluid in the sac becomes infected, antibiotic treatment may be necessary. In either case, the fluid may need to be aspirated, or removed via a needle.

Conditions such as tendinitis and arthritis can also cause pain in the side of the hip. Tendons are fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones throughout the body, and when these tendons become inflamed, the result is known as tendinitis. It may be accompanied by swelling, sensitivity, and a loss of mobility. This condition is treated similarly to muscle strains and ligament sprains: rest is necessary, and ice can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. In some cases, steroids such as cortisone may be injected. Stretching and exercise will also be necessary to help recondition the tendons to prevent further pain.

Arthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the bones within a joint begin to wear out, allowing them to rub against each other and against nerves in the body. When this happens in the bones of the hip, it can cause pain and inflammation in the side or another part of the hip. While there is no cure, some steps can be taken to alleviate the pain and make living with arthritis more manageable. Anti-inflammatory medications are often prescribed to sufferers, and losing weight can help take the pressure off of the joint. If the pain becomes severe, surgery to realign the joint or even a hip replacement may be necessary.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Dan Cavallari
By Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-most-common-causes-of-pain-in-the-side-of-the-hip.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.