Hip pain is a common complaint that can be caused by a wide variety of problems. The precise location of your hip pain can provide valuable clues about the underlying cause. Show Problems within the hip joint itself tend to result in pain on the inside of your hip or your groin. Hip pain on the outside of your hip, upper thigh or outer buttock is usually caused by problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons and other soft tissues that surround your hip joint. Hip pain can sometimes be caused by diseases and conditions in other areas of your body, such as your lower back. This type of pain is called referred pain. Sign up for free, and stay
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. Mayo Clinic FooterLateral hip pain is pain that affects the outer side of the hip. Pain in this area can develop suddenly or gradually. Both injury and overuse can cause pain in the outer hip area. People use their hips constantly while walking, sitting, and moving throughout the day. As a result, hip pain is a common problem. While outer hip pain may sometimes go away on its own, other cases require the help of a medical professional. In this article, we look at some of the causes of outer hip pain, as well as treatment and prevention strategies. Share on PinterestOuter hip pain is often due to bursitis or tendonitis, but there are several other possible causes. Hip pain on the outside of the hip usually occurs because of an issue with one of the following:
These tissues surround the hip joint. Any of them can wear down or become inflamed and cause pain. Bursitis and tendonitis, both overuse injuries, are very common causes of outer hip pain. Hip pain, including outer hip pain, is common in athletes. Athletes who participate in activities such as running, soccer, and dancing are at risk for hip injuries. However, hip pain can affect people of all ages and activity levels. Common causes include: BursitisA bursa is a small sac containing fluid. Bursae help cushion and reduce friction between a bone and the overlying soft tissues. Bursitis is a condition in which the bursa becomes inflamed and irritated. Trochanteric bursitis involves the bursa that covers the outer aspect of the hip bone. The bursa becomes inflamed, resulting in pain that radiates to the outer thigh. Learn more about bursitis here. TendonitisA tendon is an anatomic structure that connects a muscle to a bone. Tendonitis is a condition that occurs when a tendon becomes inflamed. A tear in the gluteus medius tendon can also cause outer hip pain. The gluteus medius is the muscle that goes from the buttocks to the hip bone and allows a person to lift their leg to the side. Injury, overuse, and general wear and tear can lead to gluteus medius tendonitis, a tear in the tendon, or both. Both conditions can cause pain in the outer hip area and, in severe cases, weakness of the hip. Learn more about tendonitis here. Other causesOther causes of outer hip pain include:
Certain activities can aggravate hip pain, including:
A doctor will perform a physical exam to determine the cause of outer hip pain. They may also order one or more diagnostic tests. These tests may include:
Treatment for outer hip pain usually involves physical therapy and pain management strategies. People may control pain with:
Some examples of strengthening and stretching exercises for outer hip pain include:
A person performing any of the above exercises should stop if they feel sharp or increasing pain in the hip joint. A medical professional or physical therapist can provide advice on which exercises and stretches are appropriate depending on the cause of hip pain. People may also find relief by altering how they sleep, sit, and stand. If hip pain occurs at night, sleeping on one side or the back may help reduce discomfort. Sitting for too long or in an awkward position, such as cross-legged, can also worsen hip pain. Although it is uncommon, people may sometimes require surgery for outer hip pain, depending on the underlying cause. People should seek medical attention if their hip pain is the result of a severe injury. A doctor can help diagnose and treat the issue if the pain does not go away, gets worse, or begins to affect regular activities and sleep. A doctor should also evaluate pain that spreads to other areas, such as the lower back. People with pain that does not ease after 2 weeks of taking NSAIDs should make an appointment with a doctor to find alternative forms of relief. Anyone who finds that stretching and strengthening exercises cause soreness that lasts longer than a few days should also see a doctor. Treating the underlying cause of outer hip pain, such as injury or infection, can help treat the pain. Aging can also cause various aches and pains, including outer hip pain. However, hip pain should not have a negative effect on a person’s regular daily activities. Strategies and treatment options are available for people with outer hip pain. Total relief from all pain, however, may take some time. People may be able to avoid reoccurring outer hip pain by:
Outer hip pain, which often results from overuse, can be uncomfortable and even debilitating. Sometimes, the pain is enough to prevent everyday activities and disturb sleep. It can be difficult to rest the affected hip completely, but limiting vigorous exercise and avoiding movements that cause pain can aid the healing process. If pain persists beyond 2 weeks, a person should consult a doctor. They can diagnose the cause of the outer hip pain and find the right treatment plan. What does it mean when you have pain above your left hip?Muscle strain or stitch
If a strain occurs on the left side of the body, it may cause pain above the left hip. So can side stitches, a common and temporary athletic injury. Causes of muscle strains and stitches include: poor form during sports activities.
What organ is above you left hip?Organs in the left upper quadrant include the stomach, spleen, left portion of the liver, main body of the pancreas, the left portion of the kidney, adrenal glands, splenix flexure of the colon, and bottom part of the colon.
When should I worry about my left hip pain?See a GP if: hip pain is stopping you doing normal activities or affecting your sleep. the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back. the pain has not improved after treating it at home for 2 weeks.
What does it mean when the top of your hip hurts?Muscle or tendon strain.
When the muscles or tendons supporting the hip joint are stretched or torn, a strain can occur which can range in severity and symptomology depending on the extent of the injury. Common symptoms of a hip strain may include pain, swelling, inflammation, bruising and sometimes even muscle spasms.
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