Hip pain can originate from the joint itself, the surrounding soft tissues, or referred sources such as the lower back or sacroiliac joint. Osteoarthritis is the leading cause in adults over 50, involving the gradual breakdown of cartilage that cushions the femoral head within the acetabulum. As cartilage thins, bone-on-bone contact produces pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
Trochanteric bursitis, an inflammation of the fluid-filled sac overlying the greater trochanter, is another frequent cause of lateral hip pain. This condition is especially common in women and runners, often aggravated by repetitive motions or prolonged pressure on the affected side. Tendinopathy of the gluteus medius and minimus tendons frequently accompanies bursitis and contributes to pain with walking and side-lying.
Other causes include labral tears, hip impingement (femoroacetabular impingement), sacroiliac joint dysfunction that refers pain into the hip region, and myofascial trigger points in the surrounding musculature. Identifying the precise pain generator is essential for effective treatment.
