The hip is a complicated joint made of bone, muscle, ligaments, cartilage, and lubricating fluid. Hip disease may result from developmental conditions, injuries, chronic conditions, or infections.

Some of the most common hip conditions include:

• Adductor or Groin Strain: Adductor or groin strain is a common cause of groin pain in athletes. It most often occurs during sudden stops and starts of the lower body, such as when kicking, pivoting or skating in sports like sprinting, soccer, football, martial arts, gymnastics and ice hockey.
• Hip Arthritis: Hip arthritis refers to the inflammation of the hip joint. The inflammation occurs when the lining of the joint becomes inflamed or when the cartilage (the smooth covering at the ends of the bones) wears away.
• Hip Bursitis: Hip bursitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of a bursa in the hip. It may result from overusing the joint, injuring the hip, poor posture when sitting or standing, bone spurs, calcium deposits, or stress on the soft tissues, and is common in older individuals and in athletes who are involved in running sports, such as soccer and football.
• Hip Fractures: Hip fractures cause pain and make putting weight on the leg extremely difficult. In older patients, a hip fracture may result from something as simple as losing one’s balance and falling to the ground. However, it is possible that a femur weakened by osteoporosis actually caused the hip to break first.
• Snapping Hip: Snapping hip syndrome is a condition that commonly affects athletes and dancers between the ages of 15 and 40. It occurs when a tendon or muscle slides over a protruding bone in the hip, creating tension, and then releases with a snapping or popping sensation. It may also result from a cartilage tear or an anatomical problem that prevents the hip joint from working smoothly.

To determine the cause of your hip pain, a hip specialist at Lancaster Orthopedic Group will review your medical history, discuss the symptoms of your disease or condition, and evaluate the hip to identify the problem and help you decide on the best course of treatment.