Hip Pain Causes and Treatments

Hip pain in adults is a common problem. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint, making it prone to wear and tear. Two of the most common causes of hip pain in adults are the inflammatory conditions trochanteric bursitis and arthritis of the hip.

Our Orthopaedic Podiatrist, Chris Parish, has more than two decades experience successfully treating hip pain and injuries. To discuss your hip pain or condition in more detail, or to make an appointment to see Chris, please call us, email us, or message us using our simple online form.

Trochanteric Bursitis
Treatment of Trochanteric Bursitis
Arthritis of the Hip (Osteoarthritis)
Treatment of Hip Arthritis

Hip Pain Causes And Treatments

Trochanteric Bursitis

Trochanteric bursitis, also known as Hip Bursitis, is a common problem that causes pain over the outside of the upper thigh. The trochanter is the prominent piece of bone to the top, outer side of the thigh bone (the femur). This is the bony lump most people can feel to the outer side of the trouser pocket area. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that sits between areas of bone or tendon and the skin. It acts as a lubricator helping to minimise friction between two tissues.

The bursa that sits between the trochanter and the tendon that passes over this bone is called the trochanteric bursa. When the bursa becomes inflamed, the movement of the tendon over the bone causes pain. The medical term for an inflamed bursa is ‘bursitis’, hence the name ‘trochanteric bursitis’.

Trochanteric bursitis can be caused by a one-off injury to the upper thigh, following a fall for example, or by repetitive micro-trauma (overuse). It is often seen in runners and footballers. Trochanteric bursitis can also develop after surgery to the hip.

Symptoms include hip pain over the area of the bursa and in severe cases this pain may radiate down the outside of the leg towards the knee. There may be tenderness and swelling over the bursa and you may have difficulty lying or sleeping on the affected side.

Pain is usually brought on or made worse by hip movements such as walking, running, and climbing stairs.

Treatment of Trochanteric Bursitis

A diagnosis of trochanteric bursitis is usually made on physical examination by an Orthopaedic Podiatrist.

Initial treatment involves rest and ice therapy to help reduce swelling and sometimes physiotherapy to help stretch the tendon and reduce friction. If the condition is chronic you may need a cortisone injection to help relieve inflammation.

When considering long-term treatment options your Orthopaedic Podiatrist will be particularly interested in establishing why you developed the condition in one hip and not the other, and will look at addressing any underlying causes.

Arthritis of the Hip (Osteoarthritis)

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of hip arthritis. It is a ‘wear and tear’ condition, caused by the progressive wearing away of cartilage, the protective tissue that helps to cushion joints. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. There is a layer of cartilage covering the ball and a layer of cartilage lining the socket. As this protective cartilage wears away, bone begins to rub against bone, causing pain and stiffness.

Hip arthritis typically affects people over the age of 50 and is more common in people who are overweight. It can also run in families. Traumatic injury to the hip and/or fractures to the bone around the joint can also lead to hip arthritis. Arthritis of the hip is a painful condition. Pain and stiffness is usually felt within the hip joint, but also in the groin or down the front of the thigh. It can even cause pain in the knee area.

In severe cases of hip arthritis, the leg can become slightly shortened, with the hip joint becoming severely stiff. Walking becomes painful and daily activities such as reaching down to tie laces can become increasingly difficult.

Treatment of Hip Arthritis

Treatment of hip arthritis usually begins with a physical examination conducted by an Orthopaedic Podiatrist, and x-rays to see how far the condition has progressed.

Early arthritis may respond to painkillers, physiotherapy or steroid injections.

Walking aids such as a cane or a single crutch in the hand opposite to the affected hip and physical therapy can help to decrease the demand placed on the arthritic joint, as can maintaining a normal, healthy weight.

Joint supplements and nutrients such as glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin are also used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, although research is ongoing. If arthritis is advanced, you may need hip replacement or hip resurfacing surgery.