Hip pain is common in women of all ages, and can be present any of a large variety of reasons. Here, we’ve listed five of the most common conditions that result in hip pain for women. Women’s bone and joint health can be a unique specialty, so at NYBJ we have doctors and staff highly experienced treating women’s hip pain and other bone issues.
Arthritis
Arthritis is the most common cause of hip pain in women, including osteoarthritis, which women at higher rates than it does men. Not only does arthritis cause aching and pain, it wears down the joint over time, possibly leading the need for a partial or total hip replacement down the road.
Hip joint arthritis can cause pain in your hip, but also in your thigh or groin. It can also cause swelling and/or stiffness in the hip and upper leg, possible leading to a loss of range of motion.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis occurs due to misuse or overuse of muscles in the hip, causing wear and possibly tears to the tendons connecting the muscle to the bone and joint. This can occur regularly older women, or in young athletic women, specifically those who are involved in dance, running (especially long-distance or cross-country running), lifting (especially squatting lifts), gymnastics, and kicking sports.
Bursitis
Hip bursitis is a condition involving the inflammation of bursae, the small sacs or pockets or fluid between bones and tissue within the hip. Causes include overuse or repetitive motion injury, or any excess strain on the hip joint. Avid runners, especially those who run on unlevel terrain or use stair-climbing exercises regularly, may be at a higher risk for bursitis. Other risk factors include previous hip injury or surgery, spine related problems, difference in leg length, rheumatoid arthritis, and bone spurs or calcium deposits.
Hernia
“Sports hernias,” or a femoral or inguinal hernia, also cause pain in the hip and pelvic area. Although less common in women than in men, they still occur and can be very painful. You may notice a bulge in lower abdomen or pelvic area, and a burning or stinging pain. Pain and discomfort will be worse when lifting, standing up and coughing.
Gynecological Issues
Gynecological issues are specific to women and can affect many other areas of health. If after seeing other specialists and having symptoms treated, pain and discomfort remains, their may be issues with the pelvic floor muscles or other pain-causing issues as well, such as endometriosis.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction
Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction occurs when the muscles of the pelvic floor do not coordinate correctly. It is most common in women who have undergone the strain of childbirth, pregnancy, or menopause. It can also be related to trauma to the pelvic area.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition characterized by menstrual inflammation tissues existing outside of the uterus. Endometriosis causes tissue damage, which results in moderate to severe pain in the pelvic area, which can cascade into the hip. It heightens the state of the nervous system.
Diagnosis & Treatment
If you need a diagnosis or a second opinion on hip pain, any of these or other related conditions and treatment options, book an appointment right away. These conditions and symptoms will likely get worse the longer they go untreated and could result in further damage, and much worse pain and discomfort.
Dr. Allyson Augusta Shrikhande and Dr. Rupesh Tarwala are known for their exemplary skill and best-rated physical medicine and rehabilitation program. Dr. Shrikhande has a nation-wide reputation for helping women deal with chronic and rare pelvic pain conditions, while Dr. Tarwala is a renowned hip arthroscopic surgeon. This, along with their top in-office physical therapy and long-term sports rehabilitation processes, allows all their patients to resume living life to its fullest potential. Contact us today to schedule a consult!
