Hip pain is a common complaint among adults and can lead to functional disability. Chronic hip pain affects active adults at a higher rate, afficting 30%-40% of adults who play sports. It also affects 12%-15% of adults over 60.
Moreover, research also shows that hip pain is much more common in women than men. See this comparison:
- Ages 45 to 54: 9.7% of all women and only 4.6% of men
- Ages 55 to 64: 10% of women and 7.1% of men
- Ages 65 to 74: 12.6% of women and 6% of men
Clearly, the occurrence of hip pain in middle-aged and older women is much more common than in men.
There are several illnesses that affect the hip joint that can cause hip pain in women. Here are just four of them:
1. Arthritis
Arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis, is the most common cause of chronic hip pain in women. This type of arthritis is caused by regular wear and tear and can affect people as they age. Essentially, the ball-and-socket joint wears out and can lead to stiffness and swelling in the joint.
2. Hip Fractures
Hip fractures are a common occurrence in older women, especially if they suffer from osteoporosis, which leads to decreased bone density. A hip fracture can lead to pain when moving your leg and it can also cause your toes on the side of the injured hip to turn outward.
3. Tendonitis
Tendons around the hip help connect the joint to the muscles. When you overuse them or participate in strenuous activities, these tendons can become inflamed. The most common cause of tendonitis in the hip joint is iliotibial band syndrome, which is especially common in runners.
4. Gynecological and Back Issues
Gynecological and back issues can also contribute to hip pain in women, so it’s important not to simply assume it’s because of arthritis or tendonitis. Some women can also mistake pelvic tenderness (due to endometriosis) for hip pain. Similarly, sciatica, resulting from a pinched nerve, can also cause pain in the left or right hip.
Get a Proper Diagnosis for Your Hip Pain
Determining the cause of any hip pain requires a proper diagnosis from a doctor. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, our state-of-the-art Orthopedic Center of Excellence is designed to help patients find relief from different types of joint pain, including hip pain or knee pain.
The Orthopedic Center of Excellence provides effective pain management and treatment of hip pain for thousands of patients with the help of the latest treatment techniques.
Patients looking for hip pain treatments can visit the Houston Physicians’ Hospital website and find a doctor who’s right for them. The surgical and specialty hospital serves patients all over the Clear Lake area, including League City, Galveston, and Webster. Contact us now to learn more.