Hip pain is something that affects many people, especially later in life. In fact, one study found that almost 20% of older adults had experienced some form of hip pain within the past 12 months.

Hip pain can at best be a moderate annoyance, but at worst, it can be a great inconvenience and even a sign of something altogether more serious.

If you or a loved one is suffering from hip pain, and you're not sure why. Read on to discover some common causes of hip pain, and when and how you should be seeking treatment.

1. A Strained Muscle

Sometimes, the cause of your hip pain is easy to figure out. If you've been moving your hip or legs in a way that you normally wouldn't, or if something has caused you to put undue strain on your hip, it's possible you strained a tendon or muscle in that area. This can cause the muscles to become inflamed and will make them tender to touch and more difficult to move.

2. Bursitis

You may or may not have heard of bursae. These are sacs of fluid situated between tissues like bone and muscle. Their job is to ease the friction caused when they rub against one another. Sometimes, bursae become inflamed, often due to repetitive motion. When this happens, they can cause pain in the affected area.

3. A Fracture

As we age, our bodies become more sensitive, and our bones tend to become weaker and more brittle. This is why something that might not seem so serious, like a fall, or hitting against something, can be more damaging to older people than one might think. A fracture to the hip bone is especially common in older adults and those with osteoporosis.

4. Arthritis

One of the most common causes of hip pain is arthritis. This chronic pain disease causes the inflammation of joints which can leave affected areas swollen and painful to move around. Anyone can develop arthritis, although it is more common in older people. If your hip is sore and swollen, it could be a sign you might be developing the disease.

5. Snapping Hip Syndrome

Although more often found in women, snapping hip syndrome can affect anyone at any age. It commonly occurs when the hip tendon or muscle slides over the bone due to a traumatic event. It is characterized by feeling a snapping sensation or hearing a snapping sound when the hip is moved. Hip pain can also be a symptom.

When to Seek Treatment for Hip Pain

Of course, some hip pain is mild, manageable, and mostly harmless. So how do you know if you may be experiencing something more serious? And how do you know when it is wise to seek treatment?

As a general rule, if the pain is debilitating, it warrants treatment. If you cannot stand, put weight on your leg, or the mobility of the joint is severely restricted, then you might want to seek attention.

You may choose to see your doctor or a chiropractor for hip pain, or, if the pain is particularly bad, make a trip to the emergency room.

If the pain is sudden, persistent, or extreme, it is probably safer to have someone take a look at you, before it gets worse.

Looking After Your Body

When deciding whether to seek treatment for your hip pain it's important to remember you should always listen to your body. Pain is the body's way of letting us know something is wrong, and it's not a good idea to ignore it.

If you've found this article helpful, please take a look at some of our other health-related content.